Luke Burghardt scored twice and Julian Sime made 22 saves as the North Bay Battalion won their first home opener since moving to Memorial Gardens. The score ended 5-2 as the Troops never surrendered the lead after Luke Moncada scored his first OHL goal on a nice two on one play midway through the first period.
“Going from my first year to second year obviously your expected to step up your role and contribute and it was nice to get the season started with that first goal," said Moncada.
"For a second it felt like I was dreaming. It was a really great feeling.”
The win also marks the first time the Battalion have won a home opener in 13 years when the former Brampton Battalion downed Guelph by the same score.
The game was marred by some questionable hits from both sides, which led to two major penalties, but none had a major impact on the outcome. Adding to the woes was a nearly 10-minute delay when the officials were unsure if the Colts first goal was netted by a high stick. It would eventually count and tie the game at one. Battalion head coach Stan Butler was still baffled by call after the game.
“When the refs first came over they said the call on the ice that was no goal was now changed and what they explained to us was the initial high stick was above the shoulder, but when the second guy touched it, it was going into the net and was below the crossbar. I mean it’s a language I really don’t understand. It’s called ‘refereeism’. I tried to interpret it the best I could but I wasn’t doing a very good job.”
Fans were also not impressed, not just at the call, but having the game grind to a halt in what felt like an intermission break. However, the Battalion would respond with two unanswered goals and keep their one-goal lead into the third. Coach Butler was impressed with how his young players held it together.
“I think it’s really important. I was happy with a lot of the new guys and they played pretty well. We have no doubt that Coe is going to be a great player, but overall it was a good effort. Barrie is a very good hockey team,” stated Butler.
Just when it looked like Barrie was poised to tie and possibly continue the home opening curse, the Battalion got a huge goal by Luke Burghardt, who found an opening from a near-impossible angle as he circled the net. It was his second goal of the game that helped him earn first star honours.
“It’s always nice getting some goals, but I am happy about the win. Everybody is chipping in. It doesn’t matter if its line one or three, everyone is playing as a team and we finished strong,” explained Burghardt who came over with Moncada from the Storm in the trade that sent Zach Poirier and Mark Shoemaker to the Western Conference squad.
Another key factor in the win was the solid play of Julian Sime. He didn’t allow a goal in the third and made a point-blank save off the stick of Lucas Chiodo early to avoid the equalizer.
“I thought he was outstanding. I think the second goal was a good one. He made an unbelievable save on number 8 and that’s what goalies have to do,” added Butler.
The Battalion have Saturday to recoup until they begin a home and home series on the road Sunday against the Sudbury Wolves. The two teams will clash at Memorial Gardens this coming Wednesday at 7 p.m.
