It promises to be a challenging weekend for the North Bay Battalion as they hit the road for three games against strong Western Conference teams.

The Troops are in Windsor tonight (Thursday), Sarnia tomorrow then London on Saturday.

Coach Stan Butler says his team will have to be at the top of its game to be successful.

“This road trip is a difficult road trip if you’re in first place let alone where we are. We have to find ways to win games. Once we’re through the weekend the schedule becomes a little more friendly,” he says.

The Battalion enter the week last in the Central Division and four points out of a playoff spot.

Butler says the team has a few injuries, notably Rhys Forhan and Daniel Walker up front and Eric Allair on defense.

He was asked when Christian Propp, who they acquired from Owen Sound, will be game ready.

“We probably will get him in a game this week. Its a day-by-day thing right now. Every day he gets a little better. He is practicing without a red jersey on which is promising and if he is needed to play in a game he is capable of doing that,” Butler says.

He also says defenseman Travis Mailhot is expected to play this weekend.

Catch tonight’s game from Windsor, broadcast time tonight on Country 600 CKAT is 6:55 pm.

 

The 44th annual NDA hockey tournament begins today (Thursday).

Twelve teams are taking part in the three day event, including Algonquin, Chippewa, St Joseph-Scollard Hall, West Ferris and Widdifield.

Games are being played at both the West Ferris Arena and Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of admission, food or monetary donations to the North Bay Food Bank are being accepted.

Last year $1,300 and 90 pounds of food was donated.

Filed under: nda-hockey-tournament, north-bay-battalion