Solid goaltending and a solid offense helped the Merritt Centennials hold on to a one-goal lead to beat the Westside Warriors last week.

Captain Jordan Soquila’s goal midway through the third period turned out to be the game winner as the Cents hung on to win against the Warriors, ending their four game losing skid.

The Cents had taken a 3-2 lead half way through the second period on a goal by forward Dustin Johnson who b-lined to the net, knocking everyone over and the puck found its way past Warrior goaltender Cam Gorchynski.
“They had a slow first period but they got there act together in the second and third,” said Centennials assistant coach Tyler Forsythe.

Call-up goaltender Riley Wall recorded his first win in the B.C. Hockey League, making 40 saves in the Cents victory and earning himself the third star of the game.

“He’s been consistent,” said Forsythe.

Goaltender Cole Holowenko is now healthy and Keith Hamilton is expected to return soon.

“Our penalty kill’s been a lot better the last five games and that’s kept our goals against down,” said
Forsythe.

The Cents will play a home-and-home series against the Langley Chiefs starting Friday night in Merritt. It will be the teams' only meetings of the year. Friday’s game starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.

The focus right now for the Cents is on Quesnel and Prince George who are all within four points for the conference’s fifth spot under the high-scoring Salmon Arm
Silverbacks.

Quesnel visits Prince George Friday night. Quesnel will then be in for a tough game the following night at home against the Salmon Arm.