Merritt Centennials practice (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CENTS HOCKEY

Merritt Centennials looking to craft a fresh narrative in new look BCHL

Sep 28, 2023 | 4:38 PM

MERRITT B.C. — The Merritt Centennials are off and running in a brand new BCHL, attempting to not be the odd man out of the playoff picture for the fifth year in a row. But history is just the past for new head coach Brian Passmore, who is keenly focused on the here and now.

“The kids have really came in here and bonded right away, with a lot of changes to the team they don’t know any better. The history is the history. It’s in the past and we are really trying to set a new standard here,” Passmore told CFJC Sports.

Merritt is the longest continuously run franchise in the BCHL, with a rich history to match. That lineage is not lost on freshly-minted captain Aidan Lindblad.

“It’s pretty cool to be part of the turnaround story here. We get a lot of support from the community. It’s a pretty unique place to play in — all the volunteer work, you see the people out on the streets and then they are the people checking people into the games with their tickets. It’s pretty special. It’s a very humbling experience, lots of gratitude just playing here,” said the Salmon Arm native.

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In years past, BCHL teams were 90 per cent Canadian. That has changed with new regulations allowing up to 10 Americans and two Europeans. One of those US recruits for Coach Passmore is tall forward Ryan Spinale from Plymouth, Massachusetts.

“With the community, too, you can kind of tell they want a winning team here. This group, we are ready to take over here. The past couple years haven’t been too too great, but I think… our new coaching staff and all the new players, we can do it,” said Spinale.

While the team is by no means a young squad, there are a number of players new to the league. Veterans like Damon Jugnauth, who spent two season in West Kelowna before joining Merritt, know the importance of leading by example.

“Hoping to just bring some experience and knowledge to some of the younger guys on the team. But I think we have a great squad this year. Really looking forward to it,” said Jugnauth.

It’s the first time the team has won an opening weekend game since 2015, and for the coach that recipe for success is simple.

“The main thing for us was to bring kids in with character, who come from winning programs. That was important. Players that have won before so it sets the trend in the dressing room,” said Passmore.

The Cents are back in action in Vernon on Friday (Sept 29) to face the Vipers.