Steve Harland is an anomaly on the North Bay Battalion.
Yes, the overage forward is one of only four players on the Battalion roster who has been able to dress for all 56 games so far this season. Harland is joined by Kyle Potts, Bradley Chenier and Mark Shoemaker in the 56 game club.
“Obviously I am hoping it doesn’t reach to me, that would be unfortunate but we are just trying to battle through it right now,” said Harland.
“We got through with two wins last weekend with a short lineup and we are just trying to keep that going.”
With the Battalion close to 100% on the blueline, the injury-suspension bug has made it’s way into the forward corps as Daniil Vertiy joins Jacob Ball and Brett Hargrave on the injured list while Daniel Walker and Max Kislinger continue to sit out with suspensions.
Battalion head coach Stan Butler states the situation with injuries and suspensions is unprecedented in his 22-year major junior career.
“It’s like a salad, six injuries and two suspensions. You mix it all up and, for a hockey coach, it doesn’t taste too good.”
Given the stress on the roster, Butler noted, players have to show more discipline on the ice.
“Guys have got to wisen up and be smarter. Understand the situation. It’s like Max there. He’s trying to make a hard hockey play but, if you’re in doubt, it’s better just to leave the guy alone.”
Harland has been one of the bright offensive lights for the Troops this season as the Scarborough native is second on the teem in goals with 24 and second in points to Brett McKenzie with 55.
Harland and the Troops are on the bus today heading on a Michigan road trip that will take them to Flint on Friday, Saginaw on Saturday before crossing the border to finish the long road trip in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to take on the Greyhounds.
Friday will be the first time the Battalion travel to Flint to face former Battalion assistant coach Ryan Oulahen’s Firebirds.
The first time Oulahen met his mentor Stan Butler in North Bay, the Troops greeted him with a 6-0 shutout victory.
“I know he’s going to want to get back at us because we got them good last game and they have a really good home record and we are just hopeful to have the same outcome as last time,” stated Harland about Friday’s clash.
Harland, who was the NOJHL’s MVP in the 2013-14 season with the Powassan Voodoos, will see yet another new face from the affiliate team as forward Brett Hahkala will Andy Baker on the western road swing.
The Battalion has a won-lost-extended record of 21-31-4 for 46 points, fourth in the Central Division and tied with the Ottawa 67’s for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. North Bay and Ottawa are two points behind the Niagara IceDogs, each with a game in hand on the St. Catharines-based club.
