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Before the Halifax Raiders go into battle against their most despised foe, the Prince George Firebirds, their locker room is reminiscent of a raiding camp from years long past. Battle-hardened warriors fill the room, all participating in their time honored pre-combat rituals. Some sharpen their blades, others meditate to prepare themselves mentally. They don their protective gear like suits of armor, ready to face their enemy on the field of battle. The locker room is usually a more comfortable place, with laughter and friendly ribbing of one another, but the team that they play tonight brings out everybody's serious side.

Both teams are in the beginning phase of a rebuild, and have many rookies with few veteran players. Each team has scratched and clawed their way to a few victories so far this season, and every time they play each other is a battle to stay out of last place. The players all know what is on the line, and will play with all the fire and heart that they have. The rebuilding franchises have found themselves in a kindling rivalry from playing every game like this. Tonight, the Raiders' captain will give a pregame speech, and he knows that his players will do everything they can to prove which franchise will come to dominate the SMJHL for years.