The Merritt Centennials have announced the players that will bear a letter on their chest.
Four assistant captains and one captain were announced by the junior A club last week, with two assistant captains each assuming their duties in either home or away games.
First-year Cent Zack Dallazanna was given the ‘C’.
Though he may be wearing the red and white for the first time, the 20-year old is no stranger to the BCHL: he spent the last two seasons with the Nanaimo Clippers.
“Since arriving after an off-season trade with the Nanaimo Clippers, Zack has led the way both on and off the ice,” said Director of Hockey Operations John Stuart.
“He was in attendance at all the Centennials camps, and has been excited to join the Centennials squad since the day he was acquired. Dallazanna has come from a winning culture and knows what it takes for a team to be successful. He leads by example, a blue collar player that is respected by teammates and staff. An unselfish player that puts the team first, and is an example for the younger guys in the room.”
The Port Moody native himself said that it is an “absolute honour” to captain the Cents in what will hopefully be a comeback season for the squad.
“I wasn’t really expecting anything big coming into the year, but it’s a great opportunity presented to me coming into camp and I’m just excited to be leading this team into the future.
“One of the things I’d like to bring to the team this year is that every day to expect the most out of yourself, and most of the time good results are going to happen.”
Cents fan will certainly recognize the name of assistant captain Talon Zakall: the 18-year old has been with the club since he began his BCHL career in 2018, racking up what has been 40 points over the course of 101 games in the red and white.
Stuart said that Zakall has earned the letter.
“… his confidence has jumped immensely from last season. You can just feel the respect he has when he’s in the room and in the community. We look forward to him taking another step forward this season.”
Ben Ward is also entering his third season with the Cents, having posted 16 points in 72 games so far.
Stuart said that it is Ward’s work ethic that got him his assistant captaincy.
“Nobody works harder on and off the ice than Ben Ward. He has led by example on the ice, in the dressing room, in the weight room, and in the community. He is willing to go the extra mile for anybody.”
Jerzy Orchard finds himself in a Cents jersey for the second time. Hailing from Saskatchewan, he actually spent eleven games with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades last season, while also skating for Merritt in 34 games.
“Jerzy is a returning assistant captain from last years and deserves the opportunity to return again this year,” said Stuart. “Like the others, Jerzy has a ton of respect from his teammates and has been a great liason between players and coaches. He’s a very smart player with a great attitude, and has the great quality of being level headed and demanding of his teammates.”
Lastly, defenseman Liam Visram is set to make his debut as a Cent after coming over from the Clippers in an offseason trade.
Stuart said that Visram “has led by example both on and off the ice since he has arrived.”
