Merritt Centennials swapping leagues, filling gap created by Summerland’s KIJHL departure

While many were outside enjoying the weather or inside relaxing and celebrating Easter, a big shake-up in the BC junior hockey community was announced on Sunday.

After 51 years in the BCHL, the Merritt Centennials will leave the league and join the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) as an expansion club next season.

The move will see the club move from community to private ownership under Brad Anstey and Daniel Schofield.

“The Centennials have a rich history and this year celebrated their 51st consecutive season of continuous junior hockey in the City of Merritt,” said KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois in a news release.

“Brad and Daniel have a great vision for a successful and sustainable KIJHL franchise and our board of governors was thrilled to see the tremendous support that exists within the community for a transition to our league.”

Merritt will join the Bill Ohlhausen division, replacing the Summerland Steam, who recently relocated north to Williams Lake.

“The City of Merritt is very excited to embark on a new journey in the history of the Merritt Centennials hockey club,” said Merritt Mayor Michael Goetz.

“The 2024-25 season looks to hold a whole new and exciting team as well as new opponents that we have not seen in the valley before."

According to a news release from the team, the decision to withdraw from the BCHL was a must as “continuing into the future is no longer viable.”

“We cannot adequately express the gratitude owed to our community, sponsors, business partners, billets, volunteers, fans, staff, current players and alumni,” wrote Ken Carruthers, team president.

“We have come to the end of our final regular season.”

The Cents will continue to play out of the 1,000-seat Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, with the team signing a new five-year lease on the venue.

“We are very pleased to see the Centennials become part of the KIJHL and we have signed a long-term lease to make sure this new brand of hockey stays and grows in Merritt,” added Mayor Goetz.

“We continue to see one of the longest-running junior hockey franchises secure its position for years to come and we also welcome the new owners and appreciate their investment in keeping Merritt as one of the top hockey cities in BC.”

Before the Centennials depart for the KIJHL, they will finish their season in the BCHL, which will consist of a first-round playoff matchup against the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

More information about the move and future ticket sales will be provided shortly.