The Merritt Centennials most prized sweater patch wasn’t too long without a host.

On Tuesday, the Cents announced veteran defenceman Steve Tresierra as team captain, taking over duties from university-bound Jordan Soquila.

“We are delighted that not only has Steve decided to return to Merritt for another season, but that he has agreed to take on the responsibility of being our captain,” said Cents head coach and GM Luke Pierce, in a press release.

“He provides the necessary foundation for creating a culture based on character, work ethic, and determination. Steve’s a tremendous individual who is well liked and respected in our community, and an elite player in our league who commands the respect of his opponents.”

The three-year Cents blueliner posted a personal best 27 points last season and has become a well respected leader on the club. His efforts last season not only earned him the team’s top defenceman award, but also provoked the attention of the BCHL, as Tresierra was selected to the interior conference all-star team.

“I think I'll just keep leading by example out on the ice, in the gym, and outside of the rink,” said Tresierra from Kelowna, where he is dryland training with Crash Conditioning.

“I don’t think a whole lot is going to change the way I play. I think ill be playing harder for sure.” Tresierra was a team leader last year as an assistant captain with the Cents.

Going into his last year of junior hockey eligibility, Tresierra looked at enrolling in university during the off season.

“I was talking to a few schools, a few universities and had a couple of OK offers on the table, but nothing that was really good enough, so I decided to come back for another season.”

Tresierra says he has looked at the Cents strategic plan and says he feels optimistic about it.

“There will be a lot of guys who are going to buy into what Luke is saying. I think it’ll be good if we can all work as a team and just be a more tight-knit group,” continued Tresierra.

“He sets the precedent for what is expected of our players and it will be the responsibility of each member of this team to emulate the characteristics that led to Steve being given this honour,” said Pierce.

Pierce says assistant captains will be named at a later date.