North Bay Battalion host Fan Fest, win second pre-season game
North Bay hockey fans experienced a unique fan-focused experience ahead of the city’s OHL pre-season game on Sunday.
Several young North Bay Battalion fans enjoying the atmosphere and festivities at the team's Fan Fest at Memorial Gardens on September 8, 2024. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)
“The fans are be hoping for another playoff run and that's what the goal is. So, we're trying to push for that and get everyone here early," said Owen Desrosiers, the North Bay Battalion's business and gameday operations intern.
"Getting everyone behind us.”
North Bay Battalion’s Fan Fest was set to start outside of Memorial Gardens but poor weather moved all of the festivities indoors.
“Due to weather concerns, Fan Fest will be moved inside,” the team said on social media Sunday morning.
The event kicked at 10:30 a.m. prior to the Troops’ game against the Owen Sound Attack at 2 p.m.
The matchup is North Bay’s second pre-season game at Memorial Gardens, with the Battalion besting the Ottawa 67’s 5-0 on Friday evening.
Three North Bay Batallion players on the ice at Memorial Gardens in North Bay, Ont., in the team's first pre-season game of the season on September 6, 2024. (North Bay Batallion/X)
Sunday’s Fan Fest featured limited prizes, live entertainment, food, games and a team meet and greet -- players new and old signed team memorabilia and spoke to fans.
Former North Bay Battalion centre Brett Hargrave signs a young fan's team jersey at the Troops' Fan Fest on September 8, 2024 at Memorial Gardens. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)
Those in attendance told CTV News that there was something for everyone at the family friendly event.
Team officials said there will also be a unique red carpet introduction for some local minor hockey players and other special guests in attendance.
The organizers told CTV News that Fan Fest is really about the fans and giving back to them all the support they have shown the Battalion over the years.
North Bay Battalion alum Pacey Schlueting walks the red carpet at the team's Fan Fest on September 8, 2024. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)
“We wanted to have an event to give back to the 7th men," said Desrosiers.
"We have had three incredible playoff runs and the fans showed up in spades at all three of them. They've been amazing the 12 years we've been here."
Officials added the team wanted to give back to the fans, give back all the season ticket holders and give back to the city.
A young fan with a homemade sign to cheer on the Troops at Battalion Fan Fest at Memorial Gardens on September 8, 2024. The events wheel of fun is shown in the background. (Eric Taschner/CTV News Northern Ontario)
“I’m very excited for the season to start. I’ve already got my celebration ready," said Battalion fan Alex Harrison.
"We’re going to get farther in the playoffs this time.”
Another fan of the Troops, William Casey told CTV News that the team is going to do well this year.
"I’m pumped – we're going all the way this year," he said.
"The new kids are going to gel. We see that the coaching staff is engaged with the kids and the community. That's the most important to be engaged.”
“(It is) a day for the 7th man,” the team wrote in a social media post earlier this month.
“It is the best thing to see the fans down there at ice level and the players feel it. We feel it," said Desrosiers.
"Everyone in this whole building feels the fans are here.”
Season ticket holders were also able to pickup their season ticket packages at the event.
The other big winner of the Troops’ Fan Fest was the North Bay Food Bank through one of the fun games at the event. The team is encouraged fans to bring non-perishable food items to North Bay’s Memorial Gardens on Sunday. Those who brought a food donation were entered in the draw for the day’s big prize and anyone who brought five pounds of food also got an extra spin at ‘the wheel of fun.’
The Troops came out on top in the exhibition matchup against the Attack, winning 3-2 in a shootout.
With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Eric Taschner
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Thousands of miles from home, Trudeau learns of dissension in his caucus
The free trade agreement with ASEAN is expected to be signed at the end of 2025. If Trudeau is pressured to step down, or if his government falls and loses the next election, Trudeau will not, as prime minister, be there to see the fruits of his labour.
Court untangles 'bizarre mess' that allowed Vancouver duplex owner to pay off mortgage after foreclosure, sale
A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ruled on a case she describes as a "bizarre mess" in a decision issued earlier this week.
Here's the dirt on the germiest items in your day-to-day life
Your home – considered to be one of the safest havens from all the external stresses – is filthy.
Ottawa bylaw officer struck by driver after altercation in ByWard Market
The woman was taken to hospital and is said to be in stable condition, paramedics say.
Liberals announce new campaign director amid new push to oust Trudeau
The Liberal Party has named Andrew Bevan as its new national campaign director for the next federal election. The announcement comes as party continues to face lagging polls and as party leader Justin Trudeau is facing new pressure to step aside.
Severe weather has some snowbirds leaving Florida, others battening down the hatches
When Julie Riddell and her husband, Gerry, bought their Fort Myers, Fla., vacation property in 2009, it didn't cross their mind that they might be buying in a hurricane-prone area.
Man, 37, stabbed and killed on Montreal metro platform
A man died of his injuries after an altercation that escalated on a platform at Guy-Concordia station on Saturday night.
Trump suggests a protester may get 'the hell knocked out of her' by her parents
Former U.S. president Donald Trump called for a protester at one of his rallies to 'go back home to Mommy' to 'get the hell knocked out of her,' his latest instance of using violent language when confronted by demonstrators.
'Terrifier 3' slashes 'Joker' to take No. 1 at the box office, Trump film 'The Apprentice' fizzles
The choices on the movie marquee this weekend included Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker, a film about Donald Trump, a 'Saturday Night Live' origin story and even Pharrell Williams as a Lego. In the end, all were trounced by an ax-wielding clown.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Barrie
-
OPP officer makes unusual discovery during traffic stop, driver charged
Provincial police remind motorists about the importance of buckling up after an officer discovered a passenger sitting on a kitchen chair inside the vehicle during a traffic stop in the Town of the Blue Mountains.
-
Plaque unveiled to honour late veteran, fallen cadet
A plaque was unveiled at Veterans' Memorial Park Sunday morning to honour the friend of a cadet who died in a historic Orillia tragedy.
-
Multi-vehicle crash sends five to hospital
OPP continue to investigate a multi-vehicle crash that occurred midday Saturday in the City of Kawartha Lakes, resulting in five needing treatment for various injuries.
Toronto
-
'Absolutely outrageous': Hundreds of dump trucks could drive through Liberty Village due to Ontario Line construction
A neighbourhood already plagued by heavy traffic congestion could soon be used as a thoroughfare for hundreds of dump trucks daily due to construction on the Ontario Line.
-
‘I didn’t do this to just run’: Canadian hip hop artist runs 100 marathons in 100 days for men’s mental health
Canadian hip hop artist Dillan King says running 100 marathons in 100 days was not only the hardest thing he has ever done, but the “proudest accomplishment” of his entire life.
-
3 dead after head-on collision involving transit bus in Welland
Three people have died and two have been sent to hospital after a head-on collision in Welland Saturday night.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa bylaw officer struck by driver after altercation in ByWard Market
The woman was taken to hospital and is said to be in stable condition, paramedics say.
-
Commercial building fire along Bank Street injures man
Ottawa Paramedic Service says a man was taken to hospital in stable condition following a fire Sunday morning at a commercial building along Bank Street.
-
Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season
With CTV broadcasting NFL football games on Sundays this season, CTV News at Six with Austin Lee will be broadcasting live on our website and the CTV News App.
Kitchener
-
How to watch the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade
CTV News will be livestreaming the Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade.
-
Pedestrian dies after being struck by a vehicle in North Perth
Emergency services responded to a serious collision on Perth Road 164, just north of Line 77, around 8 p.m.
-
AI is here to stay — including in health care. Here's what to ask your doctor
As artificial intelligence continues to develop in seemingly all facets of life — including health care — experts say it's important for patients to know AI may be used in their care.
London
-
Three arrests made in connection to shooting investigation: LPS
The London Police Service (LPS) has arrested three people in the early morning of Saturday following a shooting investigation.
-
‘It gives special meaning to Thanksgiving’: Holiday food drive on record pace after recent donations
With one day to go in the London Food Bank’s (LFB) Thanksgiving Food Drive, officials are not only thrilled, but surprised by the community response.
-
Chatham driver dead following two-vehicle collision in Dutton-Dunwich
One person has died after a two-vehicle collision in the Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich on Saturday afternoon.
Windsor
-
Windsor police seek witness in sexual assault investigation
The Windsor police has put out an appeal to the public, asking for help identifying a sexual assault suspect.
-
Chatham driver dead following two-vehicle collision in Dutton-Dunwich
One person has died after a two-vehicle collision in the Municipality of Dutton-Dunwich on Saturday afternoon.
-
First regulation loss for Windsor Spitfires
The Windsor Spitfires had their first regulation loss of the season on Saturday night.
Montreal
-
Man, 37, stabbed and killed on Montreal metro platform
A man died of his injuries after an altercation that escalated on a platform at Guy-Concordia station on Saturday night.
-
Quebec auto dealers lose class action over hidden fees, buyers entitled to credits
Almost half-a-million Quebecers could be eligible for a credit after a class action lawsuit settlement was approved by a Quebec judge over car dealerships that charged hidden fees.
-
New technology shedding light on Shackleton's ill-fated ship
Montreal researchers have uncovered details about the sinking of Ernest Shackleton's ill-fated Endurance, which went down in Antarctica over a century ago.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeggers arrested after images surface of cats being tortured, killed online
Two Winnipeggers have been arrested after images and videos were posted online of animals being tortured and killed.
-
Unattended cooking leads to house fire in Waverley Heights
Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service crews are asking residents to avoid leaving their turkeys unattended this Thanksgiving weekend after a house fire in the city’s Waverley Heights neighbourhood.
-
Former Winnipeg teacher charged with voyeurism, child pornography offences after videos filmed in change room seized
A 37-year-old Winnipeg man has been charged with multiple offences after videos filmed in a public pool change room were seized by police.
Atlantic
-
Prime Minister announces Mayor Mike Savage is new lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of Mike Savage as Nova Scotia’s new lieutenant-governor Sunday.
-
Firefighter injured in Moncton, N.B., group home fire
The Moncton Fire Department responded to a fire at a group home in Moncton, N.B., Sunday morning.
-
‘I didn’t do this to just run’: Canadian hip hop artist runs 100 marathons in 100 days for men’s mental health
Canadian hip hop artist Dillan King says running 100 marathons in 100 days was not only the hardest thing he has ever done, but the “proudest accomplishment” of his entire life.
N.L.
-
How gloves belonging to Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe wound up in Newfoundland
A five-hour drive from St. John's, N.L., and well off the beaten path, Point Leamington seems an unlikely spot for a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
-
'Crack houses' across rural Newfoundland? RCMP has no reports supporting MP's claim
A Conservative MP from Newfoundland and Labrador says some small towns in his rural riding are overrun with crime, but police say they haven't received reports to that effect.
-
Self-identifying Indigenous group got $74M in federal cash, Inuit leader wants change
As millions in federal funding flow into a Labrador group whose claims of Inuit identity have been rejected by Indigenous organizations across Canada, a national Inuit leader worries the Liberal government is putting the rights of Indigenous Peoples at risk.
Calgary
-
Thanksgiving walk and run for Alzheimer’s draws 1,600 to Prince’s Island Park
Close to 2,000 people participated in a walk and run to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s Sunday in Prince’s Island Park.
-
Thousands of Calgary Flames fans line the red carpet for home opener
When you think about it, NHL hockey players are the Canadian equivalent of movie stars, so a red carpet on opening night made perfect sense.
-
'Our story is incomplete:' Famed dino hunter reflects on the history of paleontology
Canada’s famed dinosaur hunter and one of the inspirations for the "Jurassic Park" phenomenon turned 75 earlier this year and has no plans to drop his chisel and rock hammer.
Edmonton
-
Here's the dirt on the germiest items in your day-to-day life
Your home – considered to be one of the safest havens from all the external stresses – is filthy.
-
Witnesses wanted in suspicious death near High Level Bridge
A man's death is under investigation after he was found critically injured on the LRT foot path near the High Level Bridge on Friday night.
-
Alberta's school cell phone ban has been in place for one month. Here's how families and staff think it's going
CTV News Edmonton spoke with two families, as well as Edmonton's public and Catholic school divisions, about the first month of school with Alberta's school cellphone ban.
Regina
-
Angus Street fire produces pillar of black smoke, fire crews respond
Residents travelling in Regina's north end were sure to witness a large pillar of smoke Sunday morning, as fire crews battled a serious-looking blaze on Angus Street.
-
Here's what's open and closed for Thanksgiving in Regina
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and since it is a statutory holiday, there will be some shortened hours for some services in the City of Regina.
-
Riders crush Lions to secure home playoff game
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will host a playoff game for the first time since 2021 after defeating the B.C. Lions Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.
Saskatoon
-
Riders crush Lions to secure home playoff game
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will host a playoff game for the first time since 2021 after defeating the B.C. Lions Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.
-
Saskatchewan Party unveils campaign platform
The Saskatchewan Party laid out its platform on Saturday, outlining their plan if they get re-elected in the Oct. 28 provincial election.
-
Vancouver
-
Familiar faces and angry voters: Will B.C. elect an Independent MLA?
Vicki Huntington says two things are critical to be elected as an Independent member of the legislature in British Columbia — trusted name recognition and an angry constituency.
-
Rainfall warnings, flood watch issued in northwestern B.C.
B.C.’s northern coast has been getting soaked by an atmospheric river over the Thanksgiving long weekend, with officials warning of heavy downpours and possible flooding.
-
Eby makes plea to Green voters to support NDP to help keep Conservatives from office
New Democrat Leader David Eby is asking potential Green voters in British Columbia's Oct. 19 election to support his party instead to help keep John Rustad's B.C. Conservatives out of office.
Vancouver Island
-
Familiar faces and angry voters: Will B.C. elect an Independent MLA?
Vicki Huntington says two things are critical to be elected as an Independent member of the legislature in British Columbia — trusted name recognition and an angry constituency.
-
Rainfall warnings, flood watch issued in northwestern B.C.
B.C.’s northern coast has been getting soaked by an atmospheric river over the Thanksgiving long weekend, with officials warning of heavy downpours and possible flooding.
-
Eby makes plea to Green voters to support NDP to help keep Conservatives from office
New Democrat Leader David Eby is asking potential Green voters in British Columbia's Oct. 19 election to support his party instead to help keep John Rustad's B.C. Conservatives out of office.
