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.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Panama prepares to evacuate first island in face of rising sea level
On a tiny island off Panama's Caribbean coast, about 300 families are packing their belongings in preparation for a dramatic change. Generations of Gunas who have grown up on Gardi Sugdub in a life dedicated to the sea and tourism will trade that next week for the mainland’s solid ground.
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
Trump election victory 'very unlikely,' but 'possible': former FBI director Comey
Former FBI director James Comey says while he believes former U.S. president Donald Trump "will be defeated" in the upcoming presidential election, he doesn’t think it’s a given.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!
WestJet ordered to pay B.C. traveller $1,300 for a missed flight connection
A B.C. traveller will receive more than $1,300 in compensation from WestJet for a missed flight connection following a decision from the province's small claims tribunal.
Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'
Jennifer Lopez has cancelled her 2024 North American tour, representatives for Live Nation confirmed to The Associated Press.
Hundreds of workers on strike at Gibraltar copper mine in British Columbia
More than 500 workers are on strike at the Gibraltar copper mine in central British Columbia, about 200 kilometres south of Prince George.