The North Bay Battalion faced another setback against the Kitchener Rangers on New Year’s Eve, continuing a streak of defeats that has persisted since 2019. The match, held at Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens, ended with a 4-2 victory for the Rangers.
Challenging Matchup
The Battalion’s head coach, Ryan Oulahen, noted challenges in matching the Rangers’ speed during the game. This defeat marked the Battalion’s second consecutive loss, highlighting a troubling trend as they seek to improve their performance. The previous regulation loss dates back to late October.
Game Highlights
- The Battalion opened the scoring with a goal by Brandt Harper in the first period.
- The Rangers quickly equalized, but Kitchener took the lead again with two power-play goals.
- Despite outshooting the Rangers 30-28, the Battalion struggled to capitalize on critical opportunities, including a four-minute power play.
Oulahen expressed frustration over missed chances, particularly emphasizing the importance of scoring during power plays. “Not scoring on that power play was probably the turning point,” he remarked.
Recent Performance Trends
As December progressed, the Battalion struggled offensively, scoring two goals or fewer in five out of eight games. In contrast, November showcased a more potent offense, with several games featuring four goals or more.
Cam Warren, a key player recently returning from injury, acknowledged the necessity for the team to bear down and secure victories. He emphasized the team’s ability to generate plays but lamented the lack of second and third scoring opportunities.
Next Steps for the Battalion
With their record standing at 18-16-2-0, the Battalion now turn their attention to a critical match against the Sudbury Wolves. This upcoming game offers a chance for the Battalion to reclaim some momentum after a challenging stretch.
Upcoming Matchup
- Date: Friday
- Opponent: Sudbury Wolves
- Previous encounters: Two victories earlier this season
As the season progresses, the Battalion must regain their scoring touch and adapt to the challenges posed by their opponents, particularly teams like the Rangers that consistently prove difficult to defeat.
