Merritt Centennials

The Cents’ Billet Family is looking for a few good homes for the 2026-2027 season!

Open your home, change a young athlete’s life. As a billet family, you’ll get:
✅ Merritt Minor Hockey fees covered
✅ Monthly stipend
✅ The chance to support the next generation of hockey talent

Interested in joining the family? 📧 [email protected] or 📞 250-315-3659

2009 F – Danny Ewert, Fraser Valley Thunderbirds U18
A skilled forward who combines strong hockey sense with a relentless work ethic, Danny Ewert brings energy and compete to the Centennials’ lineup. Danny attended our Spring ID Camp, where his pace, hockey sense, and ability to create plays in pressure situations reinforced what we liked about his game. His high motor and ability to consistently pressure opponents make him effective in all areas of the ice, while his offensive instincts allow him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Danny’s combination of hockey sense, competitiveness, and ability to play with pace makes him a strong fit for the style of hockey we are building in Merritt.

Merritt Centennials Name Henry Acres Head Coach

MERRITT, BC – The Merritt Centennials are proud to announce the hiring of Henry Acres as the organization's new Head Coach as the club continues building toward becoming one of Canada's premier Junior A Tier 1 programs and a National Championship contender.

Acres brings more than 20 years of coaching and player development experience, along with a professional playing career in Europe. His résumé includes coaching at Shawnigan Lake School, leading the Kerry Park Islanders to a league championship final, and most recently serving as Assistant Coach with the Nanaimo Clippers during their run to the 2025-26 BCHL Finals.

Known for his technical knowledge, attention to detail, and relentless work ethic, Acres has built a reputation for developing players both on and off the ice while creating cultures rooted in accountability, professionalism, discipline, and daily improvement.

"Henry represents exactly what we're looking for as we continue to elevate our program," said Brad Anstey, Governor, President and General Manager of the Merritt Centennials.

"Our organization has a clear vision for where we want to go. We are committed to building a culture that expects excellence every day, develops players for the next level, and competes for championships. Henry's experience, leadership, and proven ability to build winning cultures make him the ideal person to lead the Merritt Centennials into this next chapter."

Acres said he is excited to join the organization and help build a program the community can be proud of.

"I'm honoured to join an organization with such a proud history and exciting future. I'm looking forward to working with our players, staff, and community to build a culture of accountability, hard work, and excellence. Our goal will be to compete every night while helping our players reach their full potential both on and off the ice."

The Merritt Centennials welcome Henry and his family to Merritt and look forward to an exciting future under his leadership.

2008 D – Riley Sinclair, St. Albert Raiders U18AAA
Riley Sinclair made a strong impression at our Spring ID Camp, where his physical style of play, competitiveness, and willingness to defend stood out immediately. A big, throwback-style defenseman, Riley brings a physical edge and a hard-to-play-against mentality to the Centennials’ blue line. He takes pride in defending his own zone, winning battles, and making life difficult for opposing forwards. Riley’s work ethic, commitment to improvement, and competitive nature make him an excellent fit for the style of hockey we are building in Merritt.

2009 F – Isaac Gossen, Thompson Blazers U18AAA
Isaac Gossen first caught our attention at our Spring ID Camp, where it quickly became clear that he is a big, powerful forward who brings a physical presence and relentless style of play. He skates exceptionally well, gets to the hard areas of the ice, and competes every shift. His combination of size, speed, and willingness to play the game the right way fits perfectly with the identity we are building in Merritt. Isaac’s work ethic, compete level, and commitment to playing a complete game make him an exciting addition to the Centennials program.

Join us at the NVMA, Sunday April 19th at 11:00 AM, for the Merritt Centennials 2026 Spring Camp All Star game. Come on down and cheer on your favourite Cents and Cents prospects!

Earn your opportunity.

The Merritt Centennials Spring Prospects Camp is your chance to be identified for a roster spot and take the next step in your hockey career.

With a history spanning six decades, the Centennials continue to develop players and advance them to the next level, including BCIHL, U SPORTS, NCAA, and beyond.

Join us April 17–19 at the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena and compete in a high-level environment designed to evaluate and develop future Centennials.

Open to 2006–2011 birth years (2012 by approval)
Goalies: FULL

Spots are limited. Secure yours now.

For details and registration: merrittcentennials.ca

Happy Easter from the Merritt Centennials!

MERRITT CENTENNIALS | 2026 SPRING PROSPECTS CAMP

Join one of BC Junior Hockey’s longest continuously operating franchises and take your next step toward Tier 1 Jr A hockey. The Merritt Centennials have been developing players for nearly six decades, helping them move on to BCIHL, U SPORTS, NCAA, and even the NHL.

📍 Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, Merritt
📅 April 17–19, 2026
⭐ Top 40 Prospects Game
👤 Open to 2006–2011 birth years (2012 with GM approval)

This camp is designed to identify players ready to earn a Centennials roster spot and future Centennial prospects. Many current and former players were first identified through this camp.

💰 Skaters: $299 (incl. GST)
💰 Goalies: $367.50 (incl. GST, includes goalie session)

🏨 Preferred Hotel: Best Western Plus (Call 250-378-0700, code CENT)

📝 Medical form required | 💳 Payment required to confirm spot

📞 Questions? Brad Anstey, GM: 867-445-4100
📧 [email protected]

Sign up here: https://www.merrittcentennials.ca/camps/spring-id-camp

Spots are limited, don’t miss your chance to earn your shot.