Abstract: A centrifugal pump having an impeller assembly within a pump housing and a wear plate positioned in confronting relationship with the impeller assembly. The wear plate includes an annular wear plate portion defining an impeller side that confronts the impeller and further defines an annular portion defining an eye formed generally centrally and has a center point that is substantially aligned with a rotational axis of the impeller. The eye includes a plurality of peripheral notches separated by tooth-like spacer gaps. At least one protrusion extends from the eye towards the impeller at a predetermined angle. Inner and outer radial grooves are formed in the wear plate surface that confronts the impeller.