Series schedule revised
NORTH BAY, Ont. — The Ontario Hockey League has announced a revised schedule for the completion of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series between the fifth-place North Bay Battalion and first-place Brantford Bulldogs.
Game 4 of the series, which Brantford leads 3-0 in games, already was postponed to 6 p.m. Wednesday from Tuesday night because of flooding and road closings in the area of North Bay’s Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens.
If the Battalion wins the fourth game to extend the series, the fifth game will be played at Brantford at 7 p.m. Friday. Subsequent games are rescheduled to 2 p.m. Sunday at North Bay and 7 p.m. Tuesday at Brantford.
The original schedule had Game 5 at Brantford on Thursday night, the sixth game at North Bay on Saturday night and Game 7 at Brantford’s TD Civic Centre on Monday night.
“The amended series schedule removes a scenario where the Battalion and Bulldogs would be required to play on back-to-back nights in the event of a potential Game 5 in Brantford, that is now scheduled for Friday,” the league said in a release. “Potential Game 6 and 7 dates have been also been adjusted accordingly.”
Battalion president Adam Dennis addressed the hardship that heavy rainfall and snowmelt inflicted on the community and thanked the City of North Bay for its efforts.
“It’s been a hectic 48 hours, and I’d like to start by giving our thoughts to those affected by the flooding that occurred yesterday. We would like to thank the City staff for all of their work to allow us the opportunity to play today. We currently have no restrictions, and fans should not expect any disruption heading to the game.
“As a result of the postponement, both teams have decided to adjust the remaining potential games to help manage appropriate travel and accommodations. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through these unforeseen circumstances.”
The Bulldogs posted home-ice wins of 8-1 and 4-1 before a 3-2 victory in double overtime last Sunday at North Bay.
