Fans in festive frame

Rain didn’t dampen the 7th Man’s enthusiasm for the opening stages of a new North Bay Battalion season Sunday.

With the Ontario Hockey League club’s inaugural Fan Fest moved indoors, hundreds of fans jammed the west and north concourses of Memorial Gardens to welcome the team’s developing 2024-25 roster and honour North Bay youth teams.

Twenty-three of the skaters and goaltenders still in contention for spots received a red-carpet introduction to the fans, as did newly attired mascot Sarge.

Seven boys’ minor hockey teams, a girls’ team and the North Bay North Stars special-needs squad got the same reception.

North Bay police and fire services and the Canadian Armed Forced were represented, while tables set up in the arena included those for the Battalion Kids’ Club, season ticket renewals and the North Bay Food Bank.

Three Battalion alumni, in Brett Hargrave, Cameron Peters and Pacey Schlueting, also were introduced and signed autographs.

“We were thrilled at the turnout for Fan Fest,” said Battalion president Adam Dennis. “We felt it was a great opportunity to say thank you to our fans and a chance for them to meet our new players.

“We want to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers as well as the City of North Bay and their staff for making the event happen. Also, thank you to all of the teams from our minor hockey community that were able to take part in the celebration. We look forward to growing our partnerships with a goal of growing the game in North Bay and surrounding area.”

The event was held before the Battalion faced the Owen Sound Attack in preseason action.