‘You have got to get through it, and be able to withstand it, but, you know, going through those moments, it’s healthy stuff. It’s all the things we’re able to talk about’
It was game three, a controversial five-minute major handed down to Battalion goalie Mike McIvor in the second overtime.
McIvor was ejected for using his blocker to knock over Petes forward Francis Parish, who had aggressively driven the net during the extra session.
Jack Lisson to come in cold and face the Petes’ five-minute power play. After making a save on his first shot, Kieron Walton netted the game-winner on a one-timer past Lisson that gave the Petes a 2-1 win and a 2-1 series lead heading into game four.
“One minute you’re sitting on the bench for a couple of hours at a time, and the next thing you’re playing overtime for a big win there on home ice, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get it done, but I think it shows just how quickly things can change,” said Lisson.
But, instead of allowing that goal to be the turning point for the Petes, it was the Battalion that rallied after that heartbreaking OT loss by winning the next three over Peterborough, including an exciting double overtime win in game six on home ice Saturday.
Ryan Oulahen, Battalion head coach, says overcoming adversity in round one should be a benefit as they meet up with the Brantford Bulldogs in round two, starting Wednesday night in Brantford.
“I think it really helps,” said Oulahen, during a Tuesday morning media conference.
“You have got to get through it, and be able to withstand it, but, you know, going through those moments, it’s healthy stuff. It’s all the things we’re able to talk about.
“We talk so much about it, going into the series, that we were able to refer to moments. We went through a whole pack with the players of the last five years in terms of playoff moments and storylines. And you’ve got to keep your emotions in check, and you’ve got to move on to the next game. And I think we did a really, really good job in that Peterborough series. So all those things are preparing us to meet this challenge.”
The Brantford Bulldogs
The North Bay Battalion and the Brantford Bulldogs met twice in March, with each team taking one game – both decided by a single goal – suggesting this series could be every bit as tight.
The Bulldogs come in riding high after sweeping the eighth-seeded Sudbury Wolves, powered by the offensive firepower that made them the top team in the regular season. 2026 NHL Draft prospect Caleb Malholtra has been impressive, highlighted by a five-point night in Game 3, and is currently leading the club in playoff scoring. Meanwhile, Marek Vanacker has carried his league-leading goal-scoring form into the postseason, potting six so far.
Troops Trek Through Petes
The Troops, on the other hand, had to earn it the hard way.
The Battalion battled through a gruelling six-game series against the Peterborough Petes, with five of those games decided by a single goal.
Parker Vaughan ultimately ended it, scoring in double overtime of Game 6, which proved to be the series winner. The undisputed star of the series, however, was goaltender Jack Lisson, who was brilliant, appearing in all six games and finishing with a 1.71 goals-against average, a .950 save percentage, and two shutouts.
That contrast in styles makes this matchup especially intriguing. The Bulldogs come in as an offensive powerhouse, while the Battalion has shown they can defend tightly, stay composed in pressure moments, and find ways to win close games. On paper, this is Brantford’s series to lose. But North Bay arrives battle-tested and full of confidence, and with Lisson providing a steady presence in goal, they may just have the pieces to make this a much closer series than the seeding might suggest.
Lisson and the Troops appear up for the challenge, facing the high-powered Bulldogs’ offence.
“I think every team, you know, Peterborough has players you’ve got to be aware of,” said Lisson about Brantford’s offensive prowess.
“Every team has players that you’ve got to know when they’re on the ice in this league. So, we do our own thing to prepare for what to do when they’re on the ice, but I think overall, you just have to pay attention, but it doesn’t really affect you too much.”
BayToday Predictions?
So what will happen in this series? Can the Battalion pull off the unexpected and make it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the fourth time in five years?
So even though this may create “bulletin board” material, we decided to ask BayToday freelance sports reporters Harrison Clements and Matt Sookram, who will be covering this series, to give their takes on what they expect.
Starting with Harrison Clements.
“I don’t think the OHL could have made a more physical matchup if they tried, and with two teams who had the majority of their matches decided by a goal, they couldn’t have made a potentially closer one either,” said Clements.
“I think North Bay can take the series if they can get the job done in five or six games, but due to the experience of this Bulldogs team, I would have to give them the edge should it go seven.”
He makes a bold prediction.
“Final call, North Bay in six,” said Clements.
Matt Sookram, also a host on the Troops Trio Podcast, gives his take on the upcoming series.
“I’m excited to watch this series, and I think it’s going to be a lot closer than people expect,” notes Sookram.
“The teams were 2-2 against each other in the regular season, with North Bay winning twice in overtime. Their matchup in March ended 6-5 with North Bay erasing a third-period deficit before the Bulldogs scored late to take the lead. The Battalion just showed they are unfazed by who’s in net, by generating enough offense to beat the Petes and a top goaltender in Easton Rye. They’ve continued to work hard and force their opponents to make mistakes. If the Battalion can stay disciplined and get some momentum going on their own power plays, I really like their chances.
“While the Bulldogs swept the Wolves in the opening round, they did a lot of their damage on the power play, with nine of their 18 goals coming on the man advantage. Take those away, and the Wolves actually outscored the Bulldogs.
“We’ll see if the Battalion can ride their emotional series-winning momentum into the opening game or if the rest from a sweep significantly favours Brantford.”
