The Merritt Centennials rode two first-period goals to a 2-1 victory over the Victoria Grizzlies on Thursday night at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack.
The game was the feature match on the opening night of the Bauer B.C. Hockey League Showcase, in which about 200 scouts from the National Hockey League and NCAA have gathered to watch all the BCHL teams play through Sunday.
Matthew Kopperud scored at 5:17 on the power play and Nick Granowicz at 17:14 for Merritt despite being outshot 11-5 in the opening frame.
New York Rangers draft pick Riley Hughes scored for Victoria with 56 seconds remaining in the third period to thwart goaltender Austin Roden’s shutout bid for the Centennials.
Roden made 29 saves, while Kurtis Chapman made 22 saves in goal for the Grizzlies.
Victoria’s record leveled to 2-2 while the Interior Division-leading Centennials improved to 4-2.
The Grizzlies play the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (1-2) at 4:30 p.m. today in Chilliwack to complete their Showcase games. All Showcase games are part of the regular season.
