The Cents have added an experienced young defender to their blue line.

2002-born Lucas Lundy has officially committed to the Merritt squad for the upcoming season, making his way over from the Nanaimo Buccaneers of the VIJHL.

“Our coaching staff has seen lots of video on Lucas, but wanted to see him in person and meet him,” said Director of Hockey Operations John Stuart. “After coming to our Abbotsford and Merritt camp and seeing him compete on the ice and getting to meet him off the ice, he made the decision easy. We decided to commit to him now and not wait until our Fall Evaluation camp. He’s an amazing young man with a tremendous work ethic, attitude and compete level. He’s exactly what we want in an incoming player.”

Lundy skated in 32 games for the Buccaneers last season, putting up two goals and 12 assists while adding 42 minutes in penalties.

It was the first lengthy junior stint for the defenseman, though he had dabbled in the PIJHL the year prior with the Delta Ice Hawks.

Lundy said that he was “very excited to hit the ice in the red, white and black.

“They are the longest operating team in the BCHL. It’s a great organization with a lot of history. I am really looking forward to being a part of it, and contributing to the team’s success however I can.

“I had to adjust my off-season training a little bit due to Covid restrictions. But overall I put in lots of work both on and off the ice to improve my game and prepare for the season. I focused a lot on skating and cardio this off-season.”

The Cents recently held their identification camp, one that will surely soon bring in more commitments, as well as the upcoming fall evaluation camp next week.

The camps bring in potential skaters from around B.C. Lundy himself is from Delta.

“I believe I will bring good size and strength to the back end. I try to play smart all over the ice and I have a very solid defensive game. I am looking forward to working with the coaches and my teammates and helping the team any way I can this season.”