The City of Merritt was without a junior hockey team for less than five minutes. The Merritt Centennials, a storied franchise in the British Columbia Hockey League, announced on Mar. 31 that they will cease operations in that league at the end of the 2023-24 season. Within minutes of the announcement, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League revealed that the Centennials would become its 21st franchise, joining the loop via expansion.
“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.
The Cents’ decision to leave the BCHL is historic, as they’ve called the league home for more than half a century. The announcement of their departure from the BCHL and subsequent move to join the KIJHL sent shockwaves through the hockey community.
Founded in 1973 when the franchise relocated from White Rock to Merritt, the Centennials have been a fixture in the BCHL, showcasing top-tier junior hockey talent and nurturing players to various paths. However, amidst changing dynamics and the evolving landscape of junior hockey in British Columbia, the Centennials have opted for a new chapter.
The decision to join the KIJHL couldn’t have been one that was made lightly. It reflects a strategic move by the Centennials’ board of directors – and now, new ownership of Brad Anstey and Daniel Schofield – to align with a league with different opportunities and challenges. The KIJHL presents a competitive environment while providing a platform for the Centennials to continue their legacy – albeit at a different level of junior hockey.
The KIJHL is classified as Junior A Tier 2 by BC Hockey. At the same time, the BCHL shies away from any label, stating on its website that it should be considered a “higher tier of college-tracking junior hockey that provides a better player experience while not charging athletes”.
“Our ownership group is excited to keep the Merritt Centennials hockey in the community with its most dedicated fans, sponsors, alumni, and volunteers,” says Anstey. “We guarantee our commitment to grow(ing) the Centennials brand while building a competitive team with the best of sporting cultures.”
The new ownership group has also signed a five-year lease with the City of Merritt to continue to play at the 1,000-seat Nicola Valley Memorial Arena. “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,” continued Dubois.
The shift to the KIJHL opens doors for enhanced regional rivalries in nearby B.C. cities like Kamloops, Princeton, Kelowna, and Chase. In the news release, the KIJHL noted that these cities are within a 90-minute driving distance from Merritt.
“The City of Merritt is very excited to embark on a new journey in the history of the Merritt Centennials hockey club,” says 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. 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.”
“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 B.C.,” explained Goetz.
While bidding farewell to the BCHL marks the end of an era, it also heralds a new beginning filled with excitement and potential for the Nicola Valley community. As they embark on this journey, the Centennials carry with them the support of a fan base fostered by 50-plus years of support and the spirit of community that defines the spirit of hockey in Merritt.
