BCHL Cents bolster blueline after trading for ex-Nelson Leaf Cole Arcuri
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Former Nelson Leaf Cole Arcuri is leaving the BC coast for the sunny interior.
The Merritt Centennials acquired the 18-year-old blueliner from the Power River Kings last week for future considerations in a deal between the two BC Hockey League teams.
“We are excited to be added a player of Cole’s ability to our group,” said Cents coach Luke Pierce.
“We believe his upside is very high, he is a very strong skater who has the potential to create offense from the back end.”
Arcuri, a graduate of Nelson Minor Hockey, played 38 games last season for the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League franchise before bolting to the Kings before the roster deadline.
The Nelson native scored four times while adding 20 assists for 24 points for the Leafs.
In 20 games with Powell River after leaving the KIJHL, Arcuri scored one goal for four points.
This season, Arcuri played five games with the Kings tallying one assist and 12 penalty minutes.
“In speaking with Cole after the trade you can tell he is a mature young man and we believe he will fit in seamlessly with our group,” Pierce said.
Merritt is currently second in the tough Interior Division behind leading Penticton Vees with a 7-4 record.
The 6-foot, one-inch, 170-pound Arcuri was rested for both of the Cents weekend games, overtime wins over West Kelowna and Victoria.
Merritt travels to Vernon Friday to meet the Lakers before hosting Arcuri’s former team, Powell River Saturday.
