Cents at practice, Nov 20 (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CENTENNIALS HOCKEY

Merritt Centennials quickly finding their place in the KIJHL

Nov 22, 2024 | 5:10 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — Twenty games into their inaugural Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) campaign, the Merritt Centennials are starting to find their footing. The Cents are sitting second in the Bill Ohlhausen division with 25 points, winners of seven of their last 10 games. The expansion franchise has come together quickly, complemented by a gaggle of rookie forwards, a more experienced blueline, and an envy-inducing goaltending tandem between the pipes.

The Centennials are rolling of late, appearing near or at the top the last two KIJHL power rankings. Just don’t tell the boys in the room.

“I think a big message is to not be complacent with how we have been playing. Yes, we’ve had some success, but it’s still only November and the season is not done yet,” said Centennials defenceman Alex Cordero. “We have a lot more work to do and we don’t want to be peaking right now and then not show up after the new year. We have to keep riding that wave and getting better everyday.”

Head Coach and Assistant GM Wes McLeod has his unit playing some inspired hockey, rattling off wins and earning respect as the leagues young guns.

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“I still think it took time. We had a slow start and we had some growing pains early on in the season,” said McLeod. “We are an extremely young junior hockey team. Most of our roster is comprised of rookies and they have done a great job in learning quickly. We have developed over the last month or two and the guys have picked up some concepts that have helped them win some games.”

Eleven rookies make up the forward ranks for the Cents, led by Steven Foster, who has bulged the twine 12 times already this season.

“One-hundred per cent, it’s the team support. It couldn’t be done without my linemates and a lot of the team support on and off the ice,” said Foster.

Fellow KIJHL rookie Brayden Thurlow has chipped in 15 points, good for third on a roster that is quickly finding cohesion.

“I mean, we had a slow start, but a lot of the boys didn’t really know each other so the chemistry was not there. But throughout the stuff we’ve done in practice, off-ice team building, we have come together quick and it has kind of helped us on the ice,” said Thurlow.

Merritt is a true hockey town and has quickly welcomed the new franchise into town with open arms and loud cheers.

“I was very surprised,” said Foster. “They are very electric. As well as I got a great billet family so it’s kind of easy to settle in.”

“It’s pretty electric in our barn, especially on the weekends when we are able to put up some points and win some games, so it has been real fun. The fans are all great,” added Cordero.

Merritt has seven games left before the Christmas break. The Cents kick off a home-and-home series versus the Eagles in Sicamous Friday night (Nov. 22) before returning to the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena on Saturday for the rematch.