www.merrittherald.com
SPORTS
THURSDAY, January 14, 2021 • 15
Have a sports story tip? Tell us about it by calling 250-378-4241 or emailing newsroom@merrittherald.com.
JUNIOR HOCKEY
BCHL season pushed back once again There will be no British Columbia Hockey League action in the month of January. Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD. COM
The BCHL has announced another pushback to the opening of the 2020-21 season. Following the extension of restrictions on sports to Feb. 5 by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry late last week, the league announced on Jan. 8 that the season is now tentatively set to begin the week of Feb. 8.
“Although it is frustrating to have to delay our season start once again, we are in no way, shape or form throwing in the towel on the 2020-21 season,” said BCHL Commissioner Chris Hebb. “We understand why the order was extended and we will continue to work with the Provincial Health Officer on scenarios to start a
season in a safe manner.” With the knowledge that the season would most likely be pushed back months ago, the BCHL set out a goal originally to begin the season in early December. That start date was then moved to mid-January, before today’s announcement delaying games once again. The February start remains
to be quite a fluid plan, as it is not yet known if restrictions will ease by then, or just how many games BCHL teams, including the Merritt Centennials, will actually be able to get in. BCHL teams will remain under Phase 2 protocols, which allow for individual onice skills and drills.
Centennials bolster blue line Jared Thomas CONTRIBUTOR
The Merritt Centennials have committed to defender Tristan Allen (03) of the Thompson Blazers of the BC U18 AAA league for the upcoming regular season. A native of Kamloops, Allen has spent the past few years in his hometown system growing as a player. In the 2019-20 season, Allen suited up for 40 games with the Blazers and scored a goal while adding 21 assists. Allen also snuck into four
Curl BC cancels provincials in Kamloops
Jake Courtepatte NEWSROOM@MERRITTHERALD. COM Curl BC has officially decided to cancel both the 2021 BC Women’s and Men’s Curling Championships in Kamloops. The announcement came on Friday morning, following Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s extension of sporting restrictions on travel and group sport in the province until Feb. 5. “The safety of our athletes and volunteers is a top priority,” said Scott Braley, Curl BC
games in the CSSHL this season, scoring one goal this season before play was suspended due to COVID. The 5’10”, right handed shot, sits at 170 pounds and looks to join former team mate Dylan Sydor on the Centennials. Head Coach and General Manager Derek Sweet-Coulter says that Allen will be ready to make the jump to the BCHL. “Tristan is a special player and person, he plays a very smart game and does everything with his head up. He comes from a great
CEO. “We were hopeful that all the efforts to bend the curve would lead to fewer cases of COVID-19 in the province and more opportunities for people to compete. However, the numbers are still much higher than anyone wants – and it will be difficult for clubs to stay open – so the best course of action is to cancel.” Both championship tournaments were planned to take place at Kamloops’ McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre from Jan. 26 to Jan. 31. The winners would have represented British Columbia at the famed
development program in Thompson with the Blazers led by Head Coach Chris Murray and his transition to our program will be seamless.” Allen says that he’s been keeping his skills sharp and is excited to join the Cents. “I have been on the ice and working out four to five times a week in order to keep my skills as sharp as possible with my past team. I’m super excited to join the Centennials because I’ve seen many great players pass through their organization onto col-
Scotties and Tim Hortons Brier tournaments later in the year, which is currently set to take place in the hub city of Calgary. Instead, the 2020 BC Curling Championship teams will earn the 2021 berths. Team Brown, with Corryn Brown, Erin Pincott, Dezaray Hawes and Samantha Fisher will represent BC at the 2021 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Team Laycock, with Steve Laycock, Jim Cotter, Andrew Nerpin and Rick Sawatsky, will represent BC at the Tim Hortons Brier. “We wish Team Brown and Team Laycock the best of luck
lege and even the NHL. I’m also excited to meet the players and the team staff as I’ve heard they are a really close group.” Allen adds that he will bring some mobility to the Centennials blueline. “The skills that I will bring to the Centennials are my hockey sense, competitiveness, skating ability and my puck moving skills.” The Cents would like to welcome Tristan and his family to the team and the Nicola Valley and look forward to his contributions here on and off the ice.
at nationals,” said Braley. “We know these teams will represent BC well. “Although we will not be able to give everyone who wanted to take part in the opportunity to compete this year, we sincerely hope you will sign up again next year.” Braley added his thanks to the Kamloops committee chairs Linda Bolton and Brenda Nordin and their team, as well as the City of Kamloops and all the sponsors, for all the hard work and support that has gone into preparing to stage the event.
