Action heats up before opener
NORTH BAY, Ont. – While North Bay Battalion players prepare for the inaugural home opener Friday night against the Peterborough Petes, the Ontario Hockey League club has plenty going on off the ice as well.
Season ticket packages are available from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Clarion Resort Pinewood Park at 201 Pinewood Park Drive. Fans unable to pick up their packages Tuesday can get them at Battalion Headquarters, on the main floor of City Hall, starting Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce celebrates the return of the OHL to the city with a dinner and meet-and-greet session with Battalion players and staff on Wednesday night at the Davedi Club at 313 Airport Road.
The Troops are expected to arrive at 7 p.m. after practice and will mingle with those in attendance and sign autographs.
“It is great to have OHL hockey back and we look forward to the first home opener on the 11th,” Derek Shogren, Chamber of Commerce president, said in a news release.
“It is not only important for the fans to support the team at each game, but also have the opportunity to meet the players and team staff and welcome them to the community.”
Sue Ray, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce’s special events committee, said: “We truly wanted the coaches and players to know that we are very supportive of the North Bay Battalion organization and we wanted to create a bit of hype leading up to their home game opener two days later.”
Patti Carr, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, said that, with a limited number of tickets still available for the event, those interested in attending should purchase their tickets in advance.
Tickets, priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, are available only at the Chamber of Commerce office at 1375 Seymour Street, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees are asked to arrive by 6:15 p.m.
The Battalion is to hold its first Pink in the Rink Night in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Canadian Cancer Society on Oct. 17, when the Plymouth Whalers provide the opposition in a 7 p.m. start.
“We’re pleased to be able to show our support of those who have been affected by breast cancer by giving the Cancer Society a venue to promote the importance of screening and early detection,” said Battalion president Mike Griffin.
“We all have been affected by cancer in some way, and the Battalion is encouraging all fans to show their support by wearing pink to the game.”
The Troops are to wear pink warmup sweaters that will be autographed and made available to the public in a silent auction on game night. A limited number of commemorative pink T-shirts will be available at various events, including the Chamber of Commerce dinner, prior to the game for $12, with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society. The T-shirts also will be available at Memorial Gardens on game night.
Andrea Moreau, who handles community relations and groups sales for the Battalion, said other items also will be available in the silent auction and the game will feature a Chuck-A-Puck event between periods.
