The North Bay Battalion junior hockey team has seen a small 4% decline in attendance this season despite major job losses and economic difficulties in North Bay. Battalion president Mike Griffin believes fan support remains strong due to the team's on-ice success in recent years and players being treated like "rock stars" in the community. While down a few players to injury and retirement, the Battalion remains competitive in the Eastern Conference standings and hopes a busy upcoming home schedule will boost attendance closer to last season's levels.