The Trail Smoke Eaters signed two big additions from the Merritt Centenials to their roster this month.
Joining the Smoke Eaters for the 2024-25 season are forwards Jack Ziliotto and Dylan Lariviere.
The two impact players were signed after the Centennials announced that the team was leaving the BCHL and reclassifying as a Junior A team with the KIJHL.
The 18-year-old Ziliotto is a six-foot-one, 180-pound right shot forward from Waterdown, Ont. who played with Merritt and Alberni Valley Bulldogs last season. In 46 BCHL games, Ziliotto scored six goals and added 17 assists for 23 points, and is committed to the RPI (NCAA) Division 1 hockey program.
“We are pleased to add Jack to our program,” said Smoke Eaters head coach and GM Tim Fragle. “Jack had a very strong second half with Merritt and brings a high work ethic, three years of junior experience and size to our team.”
A Prospects scouting report says Ziliotto has good vision and sees the ice really well allowing him to make effective plays in tight spaces to create opportunities for his team.
“He also has a history of producing offense and is versatile to play in many different situations,” said Fragle. “We look forward to assisting in Jack’s development this upcoming season.”
Ziliotto was an 11th round pick of the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) 2021 U16 draft.
Lariviere, 19, is a six-foot-four, 195-pound right shot forward from Welland, Ont.
Also an RPI commit, Lariviere scored 12 goals and added 20 assists for 32 points with the Centennials in 52 BCHL games this past season. In addition to bringing much needed size to the Smokies forward group, Lariviere is a skilled playmaker with a deft scoring touch.
“We are excited to add Dylan to our program,” said Fragle. “He brings a strong skill set and size to our group that can play in all situations. We look forward to working with Dylan and helping him take the next step in his development.”
Lariviere was picked in the ninth round, 166th overall, by the Flint Firebirds in the 2021 OHL Draft.