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Battalion blank Bulldogs to clinch Central Division

‘The Battalion is now a destination point in the league and North Bay is on the map and the CHL and we’re very proud of that’

“I know this is important to the guys, our organization, our city, the list goes on and on.”

That quote from North Bay Battalion head coach Ryan Oulahen shortly after his Troops shutout the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-0 to clinch a second straight Central Division title. The victory fittingly came over the Bulldogs who swept the Troops out of last years playoffs, going 4-0 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

“I really liked our approach today,” continued Oulahen. “We took care of business. That’s been the growth of our team from one year to the next. I remember last year it was a big celebration winning it, where this year it was taking care of business which was a nice feeling.

“It’s nice to put up another banner here.”

The Battalion, who saw players receive team awards pregame, came out flying in the first. Anthony Romani (21) opened the scoring on a highlight reel deke past Bulldogs netminder Tristan Malboeuf. A few moments later Luc Brzustowski (2) added on with his first goal since joining North Bay, and the Battalion held a 2-0 lead after the first period.

After a scoreless third period, Ty Nelson (23) unleashed a rocket on the powerplay before Romani (22) ended it with an empty net goal to make the final 4-0 and bring the banner home.

For Nelson, the goal represented his 73rd point on the year, surpassing Mike Vernace who posted 72 in 2005-06 with the Brampton Battalion.

“It’s just so fitting that he’s the one,” Oulahen said on his star defender.

"When you look back at where we were a few years ago and you have a number one overall choice and you take a kid by the name of Ty Nelson…we knew what he was going to do here, and turn this franchise around and he’s done just that.

“It’s proof in the pudding and he’s only done it in two years. To have the season he’s had, the sky is the limit for this kid. He does everything for us and plays in every situation and it’s fitting he did it with a powerplay marker. It’s pretty cool and congrats to Ty.”

For owner Scott Abbott, a lot of his teams success can be attributed to Oulahen and General Manager Adam Dennis, who took over their roles in December 2019.

“They were in the system, and we were aware of what they could do and we had faith in them.

“Ryan (Oulahen) has been a part of the culture here for decades. He was a player and captain here and he knows the organization inside and out, better than anybody. Adam was a great player in this league and together they are a great combination.

“The Battalion is now a destination point in the league and North Bay is on the map and the CHL and we’re very proud of that," said the longtime Battalion owner. 

While the Central Division title may not be the end goal, it’s certainly a promising stepping stone for this team who’s journey may just be beginning.

The Battalion have two games remaining on the schedule, Saturday night in St. Catharines to face the Niagara IceDogs nd then their regular season finale takes place on Sunday afternoon at North Bay Memorial Gardens as they face the Mississauga Steelheads.