If you like offence, Memorial Gardens was the place to be Sunday afternoon as the North Bay Battalion (5-7) defeated the Kingston Frontenacs (3-9-1) 8-3 to win their second game in their past three.
Sunday’s matchup was the first meeting since the Frontenacs defeated the Troops in five games in the first round of the playoffs last spring - including being eliminated in the longest game in Battalion playoff history.
“Before the game we’re talking and they obviously put us out last year so it feels good to get two points off them and we’re going to keep going,” stated 2nd star of the game Matthew Struthers after the contest ended.
“Anytime you play the team that ended your season the year before, you don’t forget it. You think about it for the summer months and our guys were ready,” assistant coach Adam Dennis echoed.
Not to be lost in the previous seasons playoff opponents was the play of the top line of Justin Brazeau, Egor Postnov and Struthers. The line combined for a total of 12 points after the first period alone, with Brazeau netting a hat trick in the opening frame.
“It feels good,” Struthers said on his career high six-point night.
“Especially to end the week with a win.”
Christian Purboo did his part as well, playing in relief of Christian Propp Sunday, stopping 28 of 31 shots including some ten bell saves when the Troops were short handed five on three.
“When he is out and playing off his pads, he is really imposing back there. I thought the five on three was a turning point and he was a big part of that.” Dennis added on Purboo’s play.
North Bay’s special teams were also a strong point as the Battalion held Kingston to 0/6 on the powerplay and North Bay scored 3 powerplay goals on 6 chances.
“It’s something that we take a lot of pride in and we work on it probably two or three times a week," Dennis added.
"We have internal competition with our penalty killers against our powerplay. It’s nice to see the guys who put the work in get rewarded for it."
North Bay returns to the ice Thursday when they welcome the Barrie Colts to Memorial Gardens. Country 600 CKAT and YourTV North Bay have the broadcasts.
