A key divisional match-up for the North Bay Battalion tonight (Thursday).

The Troops host the Barrie Colts at Memorial Gardens.

Assistant coach Adam Dennis says each game against a big rival like Barrie tonight takes on a life of its own.

“If you don’t develop a hatred for a team that you see a lot then you’re not human in this game. I think it comes with it. It’s a good rivalry to have, it makes both teams better and it’s one that we’re excited for,” he says.

The Battalion and Colts will play six times this season.

As announced earlier this week forward Justin Brazeau (pictured) was named OHL and CHL player of the week.

He says he’s trying to add more to his game than just goal scoring.

“I want to make that jump to the next level. A lot of guys can just score. You’ve got to do more than 1 thing. As a big guy that’s part of the game I have to improve on. And I’ve been trying to do that this year,” Brazeau says.

Dennis says Brazeau continues to impress the coaching staff.

“He’s such a naturally gifted player and the points are always going to come. He’s developing into a leader. He’s vocal on the bench and added a physical element to his game and the results speak for themselves,” Dennis says.

Brazeau plays on a line with Matthew Struthers and says they’ve had instant chemistry from the start.

“We can both move the puck and shoot the puck. We fit really well together. He’s a big guy and he can work the pucks down into the corner and that’s my game as well,”  Brazeau says.

Broadcast time tonight on Country CKAT is 6:55.

 

(Photo by Terry Wilson /OHL Images)

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