Battalion face key game against Bulldogs

Ryan Oulahen says every game is important.

"The biggest game of the year is our next game," Oulahen said about the remaining games. 

"It is going to be that way until we are done." 

The Battalion, coming off an impressive, playoff-style victory over the Wolves on Sunday, takes on the Brantford Bulldogs at Memorial Gardens tonight. 

"Watching the game tape of Sunday's game, that is the closest you are going to get to a playoff game where space is just a premium, every battle mattered," said Oulahen about the 4-2 win over the rival Wolves.  

"All the little things are going to make the difference. What better way to get prepared for the playoffs than to go down a stretch run where every point is so crucial right now." 

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The Bulldogs sit in third place in the OHL's Eastern Conference with a 34-18-8-2 record for 78 points while the Troops are close behind in 5th spot with a 34-20-6-2 record for 76 points.  

"I like it, I think it is really good to have this kind of feeling to rev it up as much as they can," said Oulahen about playing the important games. 

The Troops will host the Bulldogs tonight, and then they embark on a two-game road trip on the weekend where they head to Peterborough Saturday night and finish up Sunday afternoon with a tilt against the Kingston Frontenacs. 

Oulahen credits GM Adam Dennis for making multiple moves to improve the team led by Sandis Vilmanis who has been on a tear since joining the Troops at the trade deadline. 

Those new additions were Vilmanis, left winger Andrew LeBlanc and defenceman Jacob LeBlanc from the Sarnia Sting and rearguard Bronson Ride from the Niagara IceDogs.

Despite the multiple moves, this team remains hungry to go after a championship. 

"I think they are extremely, I think that is why ultimately the decision was those guys wanting to go, wanting to do it," said Oulahen about the Troops becoming buyers at the trade deadline.  

"Give Adam a lot of credit, he got some really good pieces to add to the mix. Nothing has really changed with our chemistry it is just the kind of guys that have come in and helped with that chemistry which is very important. You forget we have only had this team since the trade deadline. It feels like we have been here longer."