With summer comes sports. Specifically hockey—at least in late August. The Merritt Centennials recently announced the registration date for the Cents training camp. “We are looking for players who have a superior work ethic, attitude, strong skating ability and most importantly, demonstrate a will to compete every time they're on the ice,” states head coach/GM Luke Pierce.

Signup will commence on August 23, 2010 at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. Players whom are interested can contact the Centennials office or head coach and GM Luke Pierce.

The 60-game season schedule kicks off with a game in Trail on Friday, September 10: Centennials vs. Smoke Eaters.
There will be 19 home games in total this season with Friday and Saturday games beginning at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday games beginning at 7 p.m. All Sunday games commence at 2 pm. You can view the full schedule at www.merrittcentennials.com.

The Cents have been busy signing and trading players while waiting for the season to return in full-force. Their newest addition is forward Jakob Reichert. Last season Reichert played with the Revelstoke Grizzlies, where he managed to score seven goals in a 47 game season, and six more in the 22 game playoffs.

Two trades were made as well; Forward Colton Sobchak to Alberni Valley and line mate Matt Mazzarolo to Surrey. Sobchak appeared in 55 games with the Centennials last season, racking up a total of 19 goals, 18 assists and 60 penalty minutes. Mazzarolo on the other hand appeared in 58 games and had a total of 4 goals, 13 assists and 105 penalty minutes.

The Centennials have been going strong for 37 years. Let's hope for another successful season.

The Merritt Centennials have hired Chad DeLeeuw as Assistant Coach for the 2010-11 season.

“We're very happy Chad has agreed to join us here in Merritt,” said Head Coach/GM Luke Pierce. “I am confident that his knowledge and experience as a dominant defenceman in this league will transfer into his coaching ability. Chad brings added enthusiasm to the staff and he relates very well to players. His tremendous leadership abilities are sure to be an asset to our entire organization.”

DeLeeuw played five seasons in the BCHL from 1995-2000. In the 1995-96 season, he was named Nanaimo Clippers most improved player and was also runner-up as Interior Conference Defenceman of the Year award in the 1999-00 season while with Penticton. He has coaching experience at the minor hockey league level in addition to serving as an assistant with Summerland of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.

“I'm extremely excited about joining the Centennials organization,” said DeLeeuw.

“I'm looking forward to working with Luke, the Board of Directors and all the volunteers that put countless hours into the team. I want to help these young hockey players become strong, confident men who succeed on and off the ice.”

For further information, please contact Cents head coach and GM Luke Pierce at 250-378-3607 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              250-378-3607      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

The Merritt Centennials, proudly celebrating 37 years as the BCHL's longest continuously run franchise, are a non-profit, community owned Junior 'A' Hockey Club run by a dedicated team of investors, directors, and volunteers.