Today marks the announcement of the eighth annual Nipissing Lakers men's hockey Military Appreciation Night, as the Lakers take on the RMC Paladins.

The annual celebration of Canada's, and more specifically, North Bay's armed forces is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 7:15 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.

The annual game, which has always been against RMC (Royal Military College of Canada) will see the Lakers don camouflage uniforms which will be auctioned off through a silent auction and presented to the winning bid post-game.

"We have a great relationship with the 22 Wing North Bay Base here in North Bay and this is our way of showing our gratitude to them and to all the men and women of the armed forces," said Lakers Athletic Director Vito Castiglione. "This game has always attracted a large crowd and we're looking forward to a great atmosphere."

"This is always a fun night and a great game. RMC always works hard and gives us all we can handle. And this year, they're playing very well, so we'll have to be at our best," Lakers men's hockey team head coach Mike McParland said. "The ability to support and recognize the men and women of the armed forces, raise some money for the MFRC and entertain the men and women in uniform is great and we look forward to Nov. 18."

This season, both teams are in an ultra-competitive division, the OUA East Division, where currently, every team is in a position to make the playoffs and separated by only a few points.

The Lakers and RMC will play twice this season, once Friday and the rematch will go January 13 in Kingston.

Nipissing and the Paladins are separated by just one point right now and sit behind Ottawa for the final playoff spot in the East, so Friday's game is big for both teams, as it comes just before the midway point of the season.

Puck drop is set for 7:15pm at Memorial Gardens Friday night.