Id like to congradulate former Merritt Centennial-Vernon Vipers forward, Luke Pierce on being named the new Assistant Coach of the Merritt Centennials. After playing with the KIJHLs Revelstoke Grizzlies back in 2000-01 Luke had the chance to come home and play for his hometown Merritt Centennials. Pierce played with the Cents from 2001-03 before being traded to the Vernon Vipers in the 2003-04 season. Pierce was aquired by the Vipers by former Merritt Centennials Head Coach & GM, Mike Vandekamp. Pierce was named Assistant Captain that season, a real leader on and off the ice. In 53 games with the Vipers Pierce would score 7 goals, collect 21 assists wich was good for 28 pts. Luke racked up 223 penalty minutes in his final season of Junior Hockey. In just 5 Playoff games that year, Pierce would collect just 1 assist but would lead the team in penalty minutes with 61. That season the Vipers (37-15-1-7) finished 2nd place in the Interior Division 3 pts back of the Interior Division Champion Salmon Arm Silverbacks. Vernon was upended that year in 5 games by the Trail Smoke Eaters. Pierce would move on to play the next five years at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. He graduated with a Master of Business Administration.
Luke Pierce is one of the most hated players in the entire BCHL. Pierce was one of those players you use to hate to play against but would love to have him on your team. I will be one of the first to admit I use to hate Mr. Pierce everytime the Cents would make their trip to Vernon, but when I first read the paper and found out Luke was traded to Vernon, I was very thrilled. I love his intensity and spark he brings to the rink, he always plays with an edge and is willing to go to battle each and every game. This kid is fearless and never backs down from a fight. After watching Luke his entire BCHL career over the yrs as a Centennial and Viper this is one of the toughest kids I have seen play. Most fans hated Luke Pierce, calling him a goon. Pierce was always involved after the whistle, well knowen for giving out his specialty cheap shots. At 5'8 and 170 lbs Luke wasnt afraid to drop the gloves, Pierce stood in against some of the leagues heavyweaights many times, winning and losing. I seen this kid take a pounding but never backed down.
Luke played each and every game like it was his last, you always got the most and best out of this kid game in and game out. A fan favorite in Merritt during his playing days as a Centennial, I talked to a few Cents fans who were very sad to see him leave. One of my first road trip's down to Merritt, I was checking out the minor hockey trophy display cases in the concesion area, & I was amazed to see Lukes name on several minor hockey trophies. Next time you make a trip out to a Centennials game, check it out.
Id like to wish Luke all the best with the Centennials and am looking forward at seeing him behind the bench next time Merritt comes to town.
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