The Merritt Centennials have acquired goaltender Josh Dias (00) from the Lloydminster Bobcats of the AJHL in exchange for forward Chase Nameth (27).

Dias, a Surrey, BC native, shouldered a heavy work load with the Bobcats getting into 42 games, sporting a record of 8-30-3 with a 3.77 GAA and a .900 SV%. The Bobcats finished the season as the last place team in the AJHL’s North Division finishing with a record of 11-41- 6.

Dias spent the previous season with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and was 8-8-3 through 20 games of action while putting up a 3.08 GAA and a .896 SV%.

Cents Head Coach Derek Sweet-Coulter says Dias has all the qualities to be a starter.

“Josh is a proven starting goalie at the Jr. A level and a work horse who started 40 games last season. The experience he will bring to the team will be a welcome asset.”

Nameth was a regular in the Centennials line up last season getting into 54 games. He was able to supply 8 goals and 14 assists while providing some sandpaper with 53 penalty minutes.

The Centennials would like to thank Chase for all his hard work and passion in the Merritt community this last season, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.