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By Merritt Centennials media release

Dave Chyzowski

Centennials hire Dave Chyzowski as head coach/GM

Jun 4, 2021 | 1:09 PM

MERRITT — The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce Dave Chyzowski as the team’s new Head Coach and General Manager.

The Centennials Board of Directors have approved a 2 year deal with a 3rd year option for Chyzowski who will bring a full tool kit from pro experience to business acumen to the role.

Chyzowski has a lot of hockey history and pedigree behind him as the former number 2 pick in the NHL draft of 1989 is set to make his BCHL coaching debut. With a Junior and pro career that spanned 20 years with 128 games in the NHL and stops around North America and Europe, there’s no doubt that Chyzowski has inside knowledge of the game from living it for so long. With 2 boys that have recently graduated from Junior hockey in the WHL as Captains of their teams he’s obviously instilled some wondrous leadership qualities in his boys, and knows how to relate to the age group he will be overseeing. Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Chyzowski was pulling double duty as an assistant coach for the Vancouver Giants of the WHL and the Delta Wild Female prep team in the CSSHL.

Director of Hockey Operations John Stuart says that Chyzowski brings a wealth of knowledge and intangibles to the table.

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“We had over 40 applicants for head coaching position with some very qualified coaches applying. As a committee we took our time and due diligence on what we wanted in selecting a head coach. We are absolutely thrilled with the hiring of Dave Chyzowski. His knowledge and experiences in hockey, his knowledge of how to deal with teenage boys on pursuing their dream is something we truly value as an organization. Dave has great connections in the hockey world. Along with Dave’s Captaining of the Team Canada World Junior Team to a Gold Medal in 1990 and his 18 yr professional career. The relationships he has built within the hockey will truly help our organization and players to the next level. It is safe to say hockey is firmly in the Chyzowski DNA.”

Acting President Guy Lanki says that Chyzowski is going to be a huge asset to the players and the organization.

“We thank all applicants who applied for the position and showed interest in our organization. The credentials Dave brings to our organization, his experience , knowledge and understanding of all facets of the game is huge for us moving forward. To say we are excited to have Dave join Merritt Centennials as Head Coach and GM is an understatement.”The newly minted Head Coach and General Manager Chyzowski says that he’s excited to take over a team with the small town heart, and believes he can connect with the players and help them reach the next level.“I love small towns, I believe teams in small towns are closer than teams in other towns. One of the biggest things hockey players go through is that everyone has ups and downs. I’ve gone through everything these players are going through. It’s easy to forget that these are teenagers when they have their helmets on and are crashing around the ice. I want to help them grow as individuals and hockey players. I’m excited to be a part of the team, a part of the organization, and helping to grow both to their full potential.”He adds that his first order of business will be connecting with the players to find out the character he has in his new club.The Centennials will be looking forward to camps in July and August along with pouring over potential recruits as they prepare for the 2021/22 season.