Brian Passmore (Photo via Merritt Centennials)

Can he turn around a struggling hockey program in Merritt?

Brian Passmore was named as the Centennials new Head Coach and Assistant General Manager in May from the Island – the fifth coach in Merritt since the 2018-19 season.

“I want to come in here and create some stability. I’m on a three-year term and committed to doing this. I’m excited and energetic,” said Passmore who has previous BCHL experience with the Cowichan Capitals.

Passmore is now in the midst of recruiting a roster.

“It’s a puzzle trying to put it together. We’ve brought in a forward from Czechia, a big six-foot-six defenseman from Latvia,” he said. “I felt we needed to be a little older as a team. If you look at the stats from last season Merritt was both the youngest and the smallest team.”

Passmore knows they play in perhaps “the toughest division in all of Junior “A” hockey.” He wants the right players who want to come in and compete and make Merritt home and play with pride.

The Centennials have finished last in the Interior Division every season since 2018-19.

Training camp will feature 35 players including some from Kamloops and area.