(Photo Courtesy of Kirsten McLean)
The Centennials atoned for a 2-1 loss in Osoyoos three days ago by thumping the Coyotes 9-2, Tuesday afternoon at Merritt.
Things began to fall apart early after Hunter Arntsen left the game with a lower body injury as the Centennials got on the board just over six minutes into the contest. Back-up affiliate netminder Jasper Wood was unexpectedly forced into action the rest of the way. Having to overcome the nervousness of playing his first Junior hockey game and some questionable defensive play in front of him, the Osoyoos native allowed eight goals on 40 shots.
The only offence the Coyotes could muster was a pair of man advantage makers by another affiliate, Defenceman Kylen Martens.
Merritt scored the first three, in addition to the last five. Osoyoos actually got to within two at 4-2 close to the midway point of the second period. Special teams hurt the Coyotes. The Centennials registered three powerplay goals, as well as a shorthanded tally.
Overall shots were 46-27 for Merritt, who regained their 12 point lead on the Coyotes in the battle for the Bill Ohlhausen Division’s final playoff spot.
It doesn’t look too promising for the Osoyoos Coyotes moving forward, with Arntsen out indefinitely and having to travel to Princeton on Friday night (Jan. 3rd), before returning to the Sun Bowl Arena to face Revelstoke Saturday night (Jan. 4th) at 7:00.
