Troops ‘pumped’ for big game, big crowd
BRAMPTON, Ont. – Scott Tanski figures a sold-out crowd will give the Brampton Battalion a significant boost against the London Knights.
A capacity crowd in excess of 4,800 is expected for the game, scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday and pitting the Battalion, leading the Ontario Hockey League’s Central Division, against London, first in the Midwest Division.
“We all want to see what the atmosphere will be like with that many people here,” right winger Tanski said Wednesday.
“We see what it’s like to play in front of big crowds on the road, but the experience of playing in front of so many of our own fans will be great. We’re pumped about it. We’ve been waiting for this game for a while. We’ve played well at home this season, and in front of a packed house we can come out flying.”
Coach Stan Butler said the crowd is a tribute to the play of the Battalion, which tied a club record Sunday with a 23rd home-ice win in a 3-1 decision over the Oshawa Generals.
“It’s a real credit to how well the guys have played this season that we would have that many fans for a midweek game,” said Butler. “It’s great to see that kind of response.”
The teams met Dec. 5 with the host Knights prevailing 3-2. But much has changed since then, with both teams making significant pickups before the Jan. 9 trade deadline.
The Battalion brought in five players, including goaltender Thomas McCollum, who faced London in three games this season with the Guelph Storm, winning two. Among those acquired by the Knights were two Generals, centre John Tavares, who leads the OHL in goals and points with 45 and 84 respectively, and defenceman Michael Del Zotto.
“They are very skilled guys,” said Tanski. “Tavares has always been one of the top points guys in the OHL. They give them a lot of offensive firepower, but we have guys that bring a lot of offence too.
“You go down their lineup, and they have a lot of good players. They have offensive players and guys with a physical presence, so we have to match that. Home ice gives us the last line change, and that should help our coaches.”
Butler said the Knights, winners of their last three games, have depth through the roster.
“Up front, they have Tavares and guys like Nazem Kadri, Philip McRae, Phil Varone and Justin Taylor. They have three overage defencemen, and Del Zotto and John Carlson are two of the top offensive defencemen in the OHL. They can beat you with a lot of different guys.”
McCollum acknowledged he’ll have to be alert.
“I’ll need to be more careful when their top guys are out there and know where they are at all times. We have to limit their chances.”
Said Tanski: “We’re confident in Thomas and we know he’ll have a big game for us. We know it’ll be a close, tight-checking game. I think we’re pretty evenly matched teams.”
Butler said the game is a good measuring stick for the Troops, who have won their last two games.
“We’re one of the teams people mention when they talk about the top teams in the OHL. We have 12 games to go, and this will be a great way for us to test ourselves and see where we are.”
