battalion280x160The North Bay Battalion start the final stretch before the Christmas break as they host the Mississauga Steelheads tonight (Thursday) at Memorial Gardens.

Troops Head Coach Stan Butler says every weekend could have a big impact on where they end up at the end of the season.

He says “we’re close enough that with a bad streak we could be out of the playoffs – but a good streak can put us right into the middle of things.”

The Battalion currently sit in 7th place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Ottawa for 6th place.

They will be shorthanded when the Steelheads visit North Bay tonight.

Three Battalion players were handed suspensions, including forwards Brett McKenzie and Mike Baird, after Sunday’s third period melee against London.

Butler says it’s unfortunate timing for the line mates to have to sit out.

He says with the two of them combined with Steve Harland – there were forming a very competitive second line unit.

Meantime, the Battalion have made one major roster move this season by trading overage defenseman Miles Liberati to the Kitchener Rangers for four draft picks.

As the Troops enter a three games in three days stretch to finish off the pre-Christmas schedule, Butler was asked if he’s looking at making more moves.

He says “if a situation doesn’t make sense we are quite happy to go with the group we have here.”

The Battalion will take on three division opponents as they host Mississauga tonight. Niagara is here tomorrow, before the Troops head into Barrie on Saturday.

Catch all the action on Country 600 CKAT, starting with tonight’s pregame at 6:35 pm.