The North Bay Battalion host the defending Memorial Cup champions tonight (Thursday).

The Windsor Spitfires are here for the first of two meetings this season.

Coach Stan Butler says the Spitfires have made some changes since winning it all year, but they’re still a strong team.

“Logan Brown is coming back since being re-assigned by Ottawa, Sean Day has returned to the league and they have the best goalie statistically in the league so they’re still a pretty good team,” he says.

For the Battalion this game could mark the debut of two players acquired in trades over the past few days with Owen Sound: goalie Christian Propp acquired in the Brady Lyle deal, and defenceman Nick King.

Butler says Propp and Julian Sime are the teams two goalies, but Propp will have a leading role.

“We’re hoping Christian can be a number one goalie not just for this year but for the future. We gave up a good defenceman to get him but without a goalie you’re in a pretty tough spot to play well in this league,” he says.

Matt Woroniuk has been put on waivers and Christian Purboo has been sent back to Oakville, but the Battalion can still get him some games if need be.

Tonight’s game against Windsor is final Troops home game until November 12th.

Their next 6 games are on the road.

The Battalion will be in Owen Sound Saturday and Sunday against Kitchener.

Catch tonight’s game on Country 600 CKAT starting at 6:55 pm

Photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images

Filed under: North Bay Battalion