One of the big games of the home schedule for the North Bay Battalion and their fans goes tonight (Thursday).

The defending OHL and memorial Cup champion London Knights, who are ranked in the CHL Top 10, come calling.

Coach Stan Butler says he will learn a lot about his team tonight.

He compares the game to getting on a ladder, saying they’ll be on a steep step and if they don’t play to their best ability, they won’t have a chance to win.

Butler says games like tonight are great for his team.

The Battalion enter play with an 8-6-1 record and are tied for the Central Division lead with Sudbury and only two back of Oshawa for top spot in the conference.

The Troops have had several key 3rd period comebacks already this year.

Butler says there are two reasons that’s happening fear from what can happen if they don’t play well and pride.

He says the Battalion are expected to play well and they owe that to the fans and their teammates.

Forward Brett McKenzie is tied for 13th in league scoring with 19 points.

The Troops have secured points in 4 straight games and play 3 games this week.

They visit Niagara tomorrow (Friday) and host Mississauga for their first Sunday matinee at home this year.

Broadcast time tonight on Country 600 CKAT is 6:55.