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Battalion goalie gets some Sidney Crosby inspiration going into home opener

'I think we have the group this year, we have a resilient group, we have some exceptional players like Brazeau, Struthers, Chenier so I think we have got the core group this year so definitely our goal is a championship for sure'
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Battalion starting netminder Christian Propp makes a save against Owen Sound last Saturday. Photo by Tom Martineau/BayToday.ca

Christian Propp is motivated.

The returning Battalion netminder will begin his first full season with the Battalion after coming over in the fall of 2017 in a trade with Owen Sound via Barrie.  

“It is nice to be in a situation that I am the guy right from the start,” said Propp.

The big netminder will lead the Troops into Friday’s home opener against the visiting Hamilton Bulldogs.   

The game will be the first meaningful one for Propp since late March when he put in a spectacular 71-save performance in a heartbreaking 6-5 elimination playoff game at the hands of the Kingston Frontenacs.

Propp will not forget that game any time soon.

“That game was a real confidence booster for myself and our team to show that we can play with one of the top teams and we had that battle and extra gear so it definitely brought me some motivation in my training this summer to know that I can attain that next level of compete performance,” said Propp.

Aside from that memorable game, Propp also had another experience that left an impression on him. After going undrafted in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Propp did get an invitation to the Pittsburgh Penguins prospects camp in June and their rookie camp in August.  

“If you want to play at that level you have to be a professional on and off the ice as much as you can and that means bringing a solid work ethic, no asking questions, just be a student of the game and enjoy the experience too,” said Propp.  

And in June, Propp also had a chance to meet Sidney Crosby.  

“I was fortunate enough to meet Sidney and have a one on one conversation with him so it was pretty cool to talk with the greatest player in the world and have a quick chat and just to see him work on and off the ice just to see how much of a pro he is,” recalled Propp.

“He got as great as he is, not by fluke, it is through hard work, it is through dedication, so that is something I will probably remember for the rest of my life and I ideally would like to hold myself and my teammates to that standard of professionalism and hard work and determination.”

Perhaps thanks to Sidney, Propp now has some seriously high expectations for his team. 

"I think we have the group this year, we have a resilient group, we have some exceptional players like Brazeau, Struthers, Chenier so I think we have got the core group this year so definitely our goal is a championship for sure," he said

While Battalion green will likely dominate Memorial Gardens on Friday night, expect to see a pretty significant amount of local support for a Hamilton Bulldogs squad with some North Bay area flavour.

Returning forward Ben Garagan leads the way locally along with former Powassan Voodoos Dylan D’Agostino and Zachary Jackson, whose parents hail from North Bay.  

On defence, there is  Callander’s Jake Gravelle and in goal, Zachary Roy is one of four goalies on the current Bulldogs roster.  

Battalion head coach Stan Butler enjoys the early part of the season.  He is not concerned with some OHL media predictions that the Troops may struggle to be a contender in 2018-19.  Yes, he’s concerned about the young defence but he feels a sense of optimism especially what he has up front and in goal with Propp.

“I think it is always exciting at the beginning of the year, you always wonder how your team is going to do and things like that,” said Butler.

“I want us to finish as high as we can, I think our offence should be pretty good, I think with Christian Propp we have a very good goalie and our defence will be young and it will take some time for them to develop.”  

After Friday’s opener, the Troops will jump on the bus for a trip to Sault Ste. Marie as they face the Greyhounds.  


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Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
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