Regan Soquila and Derek Huisman combined for nine points as the Merritt Centennials pounded the Vernon Vipers 6-1 in a fight-filled B.C. Hockey League tilt Friday night at Wesbild Centre.

The Cents, second in the Interior Division at 18-11-1-1, raced out to a 2-0 first-period lead on two of first star Soquila's three goals. Huisman, with a pair, and Jeff Wight made it 5-0 for the visitors early in the third period.

Dexter Dancs broke netminder Tyler Steel's shutout during a 5-on-3 advantage with five minutes to play.

Steel, a Vernon native, finished with 26 saves. Austin Smith had 23 saves in the loss.

Vernon, occupants of the Interior cellar at 11-15-0-7, visit the Cents Saturday night at Nicola Valley Arena. After that, the Vipers don't play until Friday, Jan. 4 when they visit the Salmon Arm SilverBacks at the Shaw Centre.

Check out the Monday sports section in The Morning Star for a complete recap of Friday's action.