(Saginaw, MI) The Saginaw Spirit have completed a trade with the Eastern Conference's Barrie Colts. Saginaw acquires defenseman Ryan O'Connor and forward Michael Sgarbossa in the deal that saw Barrie receive defensemen T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford. The Colts also received a third round pick in the 2010 OHL Priority Selection."We are excited for this deal, and feel that it is a great trade for all parties." stated Spirit General Manager and Head Coach Todd Watson, "We are getting additional years of service with this trade that will pay dividends this season and beyond. Ryan and Michael are highly talented skaters that will contribute instantly. Brodie and Crawford have played significant roles with the Spirit these past seasons and we are happy that they are going to a great program like the Barrie Colts where they will continue to find success on and off the ice."
Defenseman Ryan O'Connor enjoyed a successful rookie season that saw him post ten goals and 25 assists in 62 games. The Hamilton, Ontario native has tallied two goals and ten assists in 19 games this season. O'Connor posted a four point game, two goals and two assists against the Kingston Frontenacs on December 12, 2008, and a three point game, one goal and two assists, against the Oshawa Generals on October 8, 2009.
Said Watson, "Ryan is a highly skilled defenseman that can really move the puck, as evident by him being named to the OHL All-Rookie Second Team last season."
Barrie selected O'Connor 6th overall in the 2008 Priority Selection after a stint with the Ontario Minor Midgets Toronto Jr. Canadiens. O'Connor scored two goals and five assists to help the Canadiens win the 2008 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament. He was selected to Team Ontario's roster for the 2009 Under 17 World Hockey Challenge and helped Team Canada's U18 squad win the gold medal in the 2009 Ivan Hlinka Tournament. O'Connor is Eligible for 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
# 21 Ryan O'Connor Position: Defense Shoots: Right Height: 5.08 Weight: 175 Date of Birth: January 12, 1992 Hometown: Hamilton, Ontario
Forward Michael Sgarbossa had a prolific rookie season as well, notching ten goals and 33 assists in 67 games. The Campbellville, Ontario native has tallied seven goals and 13 assists in 19 games this season. He posted two goals in Barrie's home opener against the Owen Sound Attack on September 17, 2009 and had a four point effort, two goals and two assists, against the Erie Otters on October 10, 2009.
"Michael is a tough competitor that can put up some big points with his scoring ability," said Watson.
Barrie selected Sgarbossa 54th overall in the 2008 Priority Selection after a campaign in the Ontario Minor Midgets with the Halton Hurricanes. He tallied three goals and two assists in four games during the 2008 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament. Sgarbossa is Eligible for 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
# 93 Michael Sgarbossa Position: Center Shoots: Left Height: 5.11 Weight: 165 Date of Birth: July 25, 1992 Hometown: Campbellville, Ontario
The Barrie Colts received veteran defensemen T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford in the trade. Brodie is playing in his fourth Ontario Hockey League season and was signed by the Calgary Flames over the summer. Four year veteran Crawford was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Both players will be eligible for pro level campaigns following this season.
"The Barrie Colts will love the talent, leadership and character, both on and off the ice, of Nick Crawford and T.J. Brodie. We wish both of these fine young men all the best with their new opportunity in Barrie and in the rest of their hockey careers. We too are equally as excited to be welcoming Michael Sgarbossa and Ryan O'Connor to the Saginaw Spirit. From all reports, if our fans like the moves that GM/Head Coach Todd Watson has made to date with Ivan Telegin, Anthony Camara, Vince Trocheck, Josh Shalla, Garret Ross and more, then you will also like our new additions of Michael Sgarbossa and Ryan O'Connor. Dick (Garber) and I are confident that Todd and his staff are building a championship quality contender one piece at a time."
"It's tough losing two guys that were a big part of the team on and off the ice, but we are excited for them and us as this trade provides a whole new dynamic," stated Spirit captain Tyler Murovich, "It sounds like both guys will jump right in and help us continue our successful start to the season".
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