The Merritt Centennials took a hard fought 5-2 loss to the Trail Smokeaters, a team they have beaten the last five out of six times they have met.

Yet for coach Luke Pierce there is a silver lining.

“The guys have really been improving on the basics and playing together as a group,” Pierce said.

“We just need to put the little things into play,” adds Jordan Soquila, Centennials captain.

“Get back to basics and get the minor details in place to get the win.”

The Centennials are currently in fifth place in the BCHL interior conference.

Soquila has seen a complete turn around in this team from last year.

“I love the intensity we are bringing right now.”

“We have an excellent chance of not only making the playoffs but going deep,” says Soquila.

Two new players were added to the roster at the BCHL Jan. 10 trading deadline, adding depth and maturity to an already strong offensive line.

Forward Lucas Daoust comes from the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

The 20-year-old Kamloops native says he is excited to be playing in Merritt and appreciates being able to play in front of friends and family.

Sam Gemmel comes to Merritt from the Penticton Vees but has played together with
Soquila when they were both playing for the Burnaby Express.

“Sam is one of the nicest kids I have ever played with and he will work his butt off for any team he is on,” said Soquila.
The Centennials have 16 regular season games left before embarking on what they all hope will be one of their best post-season runs in recent memory.