Merritt Centennials practice (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BCHL PLAYOFFS

Merritt Centennials embrace underdog role in final chance at BCHL glory

Apr 5, 2024 | 6:30 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — One final ride, and a chance at long last to etch the Centennials name into the Fred Page Cup begins Friday night (Apr. 5) in Salmon Arm.

“We have worked all year to get into the position we are,” said Cents forward Dylan Lariviere. “Obviously, it was a matchup we were kind of looking for, so to be able to finish up the year to get that matchup is huge. Just getting ready this week, we’ll see what happens but we’re all confident and all have one goal.”

The Centennials, who have struggled for half a decade, are back in the dance as the sixth seed in the Interior Division, finishing the regular season with 22 wins. While technically the underdogs, the team is using that perception as motivation.

“We’ve been the underdogs and the misfits of the league for the past five, six years. I think nobody really thinks highly of us, so I think we can come out and do good, surprise a lot of people,” forward Zachary Losier.

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While it very well may be an old cliché, the game plan for the Cents is to go on the road and try to steal home ice advantage away.

“We are going to take it like every game and play it like it is our last. All of the games are important, you take it one at a time, the old cliché,” said Head Coach Brain Passmore. “The first game is important. If you can get the first one, that puts a little doubt into their minds and then the pressure is on them and they are going back into our rink were it’s tough to play.”

The Cents return home for Game 3 next Tuesday (April 9) evening, the first playoff game on NVMA ice since 2019. The players are keenly aware of what a hot start in front of their home fans could mean.

“Last few weeks before playoffs here, the fans have really come out and been proud of us. I think we will put a good show for them and they will be right behind us supporting us,” said Losier.

“Obviously, its been a few years since we have been in the playoffs, but the town is excited, as it’s been a while. Try to put on a show for them, get some wins in our rink,” added Lariviere.

The puck drops at the Shaw Centre in Salmon Arm for Game 1 Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Game 2 Saturday at 6:00 p.m.