Playoff fever in North Bay as Battalion prepares for Game 7

The North Bay Battalion plays Game 7 tonight in the Eastern Conference finals in Oshawa.

The passion from the community and the fan base is there and a large contingent of fans are heading to the game to cheer their team.

“Everybody enjoys the game and enjoys the sport and supports the guys wherever they go,” said fan Jenna Bitis outside Memorial Gardens.

“It’s kind of like a big hockey family.”

Two busloads -- about 80 Battalion fans -- are travelling to watch their team play the Oshawa Generals in this all-important Game 7.

“Heart and soul of the city -- they work so hard and are so determined to win,” said fan Carole Valcourt.

The troops showed resiliency in rallying from a 3-0 series deficit, climbing their way back into the series to force a deciding Game 7.

“We beat them 8-1 yesterday and that was amazing,” said fan Jaidyn Masse

“I’m really hoping they, with our fan base down there, we can come home with the Bobby Orr trophy.”

“Coming out of yesterday’s game, I was up until 3 in the morning,” added Seth Compton.

“I emailed my boss and said I can’t come to work. I have to go support the Troops.”

The team has made it to the conference finals three times in a row but hasn’t been able to challenge for the OHL championship since sweeping the Generals in 2014.

Some North Bay fans headed to Oshawa to cheer on the Battalion in Game 7 in the OHL Eastern Conference finals

A near-miss against eventual champions Peterborough in Game 7 last year motivates fans even more.

“I think it’s time -- the boys deserve it,” said fan Rick Vezina.

“We’re definitely going to be filling the entire arena with green as much as possible,” added Isaiah Compton

“Try to silence the Gens fans as best as we can.”

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