The North Bay Battalion and the Powassan Voodoos have renewed their affiliation after two years apart.
Adam Dennis, General Manager of the North Bay Battalion, says the main point for them is to have a development model.
“When the Voodoos brought in (coach) Marc Lafleur and the track record that he brings, we feel very confident that any of our guys that come through Powassan are going to leave with a greater knowledge of the game and make them that much closer to competing on our level,” he says.
Chris Dawson, Voodoos General Manager, says the partnership benefits both the NOJHL club and the OHL team.
“One of the things we’ve always done well when we were the affiliate is we believe that we can win with younger players, and I think that’s one of the more unique things that benefits the Battalion. They know that, if they send us a 17-year-old or a 16-year-old, they’re going to get an opportunity here,” he says.
Before a two-year agreement with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, the Battalion were affiliated with the Voodoos for five years, starting in 2014-15.
Jim Bruce, Voodoos President and Principal Owner says the fans will get to see players develop, including potential NHLers.
“I think the fans look forward to taking a look at the younger kids starting up, I think a good example would be Barclay (Goodrow) in Tampa Bay, I think everybody in North Bay knows who he is,” Bruce says.
Goodrow hoisted the Stanley Cup for the second straight season on Wednesday night.
The Lightning won back-to-back championships with a 1-0 shutout victory in game five of the Stanley Cup final over the Montreal Canadiens.
