BCHL standings to Feb. 9
The battle for the final playoff spot in the BCHL’s Interior division isn’t over yet.
The Merritt Centen-nials’ 3-1 victory over the visiting Vernon Vipers on Tuesday night moved the surging Cents to within four points of the Snakes, who occupy the fourth-and-final playoff spot as the British Columbia Hockey League’s regular season schedule hits the home stretch.
By taking the two points from Vernon, Merritt leap-frogged the Trail Smoke Eaters into fifth place in the standings. It’s the first time the Cents have found themselves out of the divisional basement in almost two months.
The sagging Smokies were 9-3 losers to the Salmon Arm Silverbacks on Tuesday night.
The all-important Cents-Vipers showdown Tuesday felt and looked more like a chess match for most of the 60-minute game as both teams played cautiously and tentatively.
The two sides traded first-period goals with Michael Faulkner’s blast from the blueline 3:12 into the game the only Cents’ marker. Riley Brandt replied for the visitors just over nine minutes later.
A scoreless second period was highlighted by some fractious moments as emotions started to get the better of both teams. A 10-player scrum behind the Vernon net at the 12:32 mark resulted in multiple misconducts and a pair of overflowing penalty boxes.
When Merritt failed to score on almost five minutes of powerplay time at the start of the third period, it seemed like another game was going to be squandered by ineffective special teams play. That’s when hard-working, blue-collar rookie Michael Regush came to the rescue.
The disciplinary measures seemed to work, however, as the two teams returned to playing hockey and cut out most of the shenanigans.
When Merritt failed to score on almost five minutes of powerplay time at the start of the third period, it seemed like another game was going to be squandered by ineffective special teams play. That’s when hard-working, blue-collar rookie Michael Regush came to the rescue.
From behind the Vipers’ net, the 16-year-old Regush’s centering pass deflected off of ‘something’ out front and slipped past a stingy Brendan Barry between the Vernon pipes.
This weekend, the Cents visit Vancouver Island for games against Cowichan Valley, Victoria and Alberni Valley. A clean sweep will all but be essential if Merritt is to keep its playoff hopes alive.
Regush’s goal would prove to be the game winner. Brett Jewell would add an insurance marker into an empty net with 1:59 remaining in regulation.
Merritt’s Henry Cleghorn celebrates his team’s 3-1 victory over the Vernon Vipers on Tuesday night. (Ian Webster/Herald)
Merritt outshot Vernon 36-30. Cole Kehler picked up his 18th win of the season in the Cents’ net.
Prior to Tuesday’s game, the Centennials had two outings on the weekend against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks. The teams split their home-and-home series, each winning in the other’s barn.
Friday night, at the Shaw Centre, forward Mitch Lipon scored twice, and defenceman Nick Fiorentino tallied the winner 52 seconds into overtime as the Cents came from behind to win 4-3. Zach Court had Merritt’s other goal.
Twenty-four hours later, at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, the visiting ’Backs scored the first six goals of the game en route to a 7-3 pummelling of the Centennials. Colin Grannary with two and Tyler Ward tallied Merritt’s only goals.
With 1:48 left in the third period, Lipon was tossed from Saturday’s game with a major and game misconduct for a blow to the head. He would later receive a two-game suspension from league head office.
This weekend, the Cents visit Vancouver Island for games against Cowichan Valley, Victoria and Alberni Valley. A clean sweep will all but be essential if Merritt is to keep its playoff hopes alive.
