The North Bay Battalion begin the 2017-18 OHL season with 3 straight divisional games.

The campaign starts at home tonight (Friday) against the Barrie Colts.

Coach Stan Butler says the Colts will be much improved this year with the addition of the number 1 pick in the OHL Priority Selection, Ryan Suzuki.

Tonight’s game also marks the debut of Battalion forward Brandon Coe, who went 3rd overall in the Priority Selection.

Butler says it’ll be a while before they know their full roster, as they don’t know if they’ll have import pick Filip Chytil or Brett McKenzie this season, which will impact their offense.

“As for the rest of the team we should have a good experienced defense and our goaltending, I think both guys (Julian Sime and Mat Woroniuk) are hungry to prove they are capable goalies for the Ontario Hockey League,” He says.

Game time tonight is 7 pm.

On Sunday the Troops are in Sudbury for a matinee at 2.

Again this season, all Battalion games are on Country 600 CKAT.

Broadcast time tonight is 6:55 pm.

 

(File photo)