Futures Watch: North Bay Battalion
As the 2025–26 OHL season approaches this September, the North Bay Battalion are looking to build on their (28–34–6–0) record from last year. We spoke with GM John Winstanley about the new faces fans should be keeping an eye on as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Class Quote
“We’re very pleased with the players we’ve added to the North Bay Battalion through the drafts. The group coming into the 2025–26 season is full of energy, skill, and potential. It’s a dynamic mix of talent that brings a fresh level of competitiveness to our roster. We believe this team can make a strong impact and play an exciting brand of hockey. It will be great to watch these players enter our league and become the next generation of Troops.”
– John Winstanley
Player Spotlights:
Camryn Warren – C
Selected in the first round (6th overall) in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Camryn Warren played last season with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA program where he recorded 63 points (24-39–63) in 33 regular-season games. He was named the most valuable player in the OHL Cup at Toronto, which the Jr. Canadiens won after gaining entry as a qualifier. He tied for the tournament lead in points with 13 (6-7–13) in seven games.
“Cam is a player who brings a combination of high-end hockey IQ and elite skills. An electrifying player on the ice, he’s dynamic and creative with the puck on and off his stick. He has a bright future, and our group is excited to continue working with him on the next stages of his development.”
Carter Kunopaski – LD
Selected in the second round (29th overall) in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Carter Kunopaski played last season with the Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA program. The 6-foot-1 defender recorded 25 points (4-21–25) in 32 regular-season games.
“We’re delighted to add a young physical defenseman like Carter to our lineup. He plays a 200-foot game, brings size and intensity and competes hard every night. On top of that, he shows natural leadership qualities that we believe will be a big asset in our dressing room as he continues to develop.”
Jax Pereira – C
Selected in the fourth round (67th overall) in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Jax Pereira played last season with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA program. He notched 24 points (7-17–24) in 31 regular-season games and added five more points in the OHL Cup, enroute to the teams championship title.
“Jax was a player who stood out to us throughout the year. He plays a complete game, and we felt his style and competitiveness align well with how we want to play. He’s a skilled forward with the versatility to contribute in multiple situations and bring a well-rounded presence to the lineup.”
Evgeny Dubrovtsev – C
Selected in the first round (17th overall) in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Evgeny Dubrovtsev played last season in the MHL with the SKA-Yunior Krasnogorsk. The St. Petersburg native recorded 14 points (8-6–14) and 4 penalty minutes in 37 regular-season with the club.
“Evgeny is a big, strong centre who can play in all situations and has been a fixture with the Russian national team. He is a talented player who brings his unique qualities, and we believe he will fit the way we like to play.”
Brandt Harper – RD
Signed as a free agent in June, Brandt Harper spent the 2024-25 season in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm and the Des Moines Buccaneers. With the Buccaneers, the Tampa, FL, native recorded 15 points (3-12–15) and 27 penalty minutes in 50 regular-season games. He is committed to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 NCAA season.
“Brandt is committed to the University of Michigan and is a skilled, puck-moving defender who brings energy and leadership to our group. He is a much-needed addition to our back end and will give us a quality right-shot defenceman who we expect to be a key contributor to our team next season.”
Ryder Cali – C
Acquired via a trade with the Soo Greyhounds, Ryder Cali was originally selected in the first round (18th overall) in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. He spent the majority of last season with the Milton Menace of the OJHL where he recorded 54 points (24-30–54) in 51 regular-season games. He was also called up for five games with the Battalion.
“Ryder will join our group full-time this year after playing five games with us last season. He’s coming off a strong year with Milton of the OJHL, where he showed his high hockey IQ, skill, and complete game. He also gained valuable experience during Milton’s long playoff run, and we’re excited to have him with us for the 2024-25 season.”
2025-26 North Bay Battalion Signings:
Includes players signed to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement who have played fewer than 10 games in the OHL.
| PLAYER | POSITION | HOMETOWN | DOB | 2024-25 TEAM | ACQUIRED |
| Ryder Cali | C | Penetanguishene, ON | 09/06/2008 | Milton Menace | Dec 18, 2024 |
| Evgeny Dubrovtsev | C | St. Petersburg, RUS | 03/18/2008 | SKA-Yunior Krasnogorsk | 1st Rd. 2025 (Import) |
| Declan Gallivan | LD | Sault Ste. Marie, ON | 03/06/2007 | Soo Thunderbirds | 7th Rd. 2023 |
| Brandt Harper | RD | Tampa, FL | 07/20/2006 | Des Moines Buccaneers | June 6, 2025 (FA) |
| Jonathan Kapageridis | LD | Vaughan, ON | 05/08/2007 | Cobourg Cougars | Jan 9, 2025 |
| Carter Kunopaski | LD | Ottawa, ON | 02/14/2009 | Ottawa Valley Titans U16 AAA | 2nd Rd. 2025 |
| Carter Nadon | G | Aurora, ON | 09/02/2007 | Haliburton County Huskies | 1st Rd. 2024 (U18) |
| Arseny Pronin | RW | Minsk, BLR | 05/16/2007 | Loko-76 Yaroslavl | 2nd Rd. 2025 (Import) |
| Sam Rivet | LD | North Bay, ON | 02/27/2008 | Powassan VooDoos | 11th Rd. 2024 |
| Adam Smeeton | C | Toronto, ON | 02/12/2007 | King Rebellion | 5th Rd. 2023 |
| Camryn Warren | C | Vaughan, ON | 05/07/2009 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens U16 AAA | 1st Rd. 2025 |
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