The North Bay Battalion start a stretch of 3 games in 3 nights tonight (Thursday).

They’re home for Ottawa, a team they played last Saturday.

The Troops won that game 2-1 thanks to late goals from Brett Hargrave and Brett McKenzie.

Coach Stan Butler says North Bay has always had good close games with Ottawa, even back in the days when the 67’s were coached by Brian Kilrea and the Centennials were coached by Bert Templeton.

“I think Ottawa-North Bay are always good hockey games. The biggest thing for us is, it would be nice to win on home ice and play as well as we do on the road, at home for a change,” Butler added.

The Troops are 1-4 at home and 3-1 on the road.

He says the team is improving, there’s work to do, especially in 5 on 5 offense and the powerplay.

The Troops are in Guelph tomorrow (Friday) and Hamilton on Saturday.

Broadcast time tonight on Country 600 CKAT is 6:55 pm.

Meantime, Adam McMaster will be playing for Team Black at the upcoming World Under 17 Challenge in the Sault.

It starts next week.