(Owen Sound, ON) The Saginaw Spirit traveled to Owen Sound Wednesday night to face off against the Attack. The Spirit found themselves down by three goals early in the first period but rallied for a 7-5 victory. Winger Josh Shalla led the way for the Spirit with two goals and three assists in the tilt. Recently acquired forwards Michael Sgarbossa and Ryan O'Connor each added a goal and an assist in the effort. The win moves the team's record to 15-6-2-0 with 32 points on the season.The Attack opened the scoring in the first period with a goal from winger Garrett Wilson (NHL FLORIDA PANTHERS) at 6:43. Wilson was assisted on the score by winger Bobby Mignardi and center Steven Shipley. Owen Sound scored again at 7:24 on Wilson's second goal of the game. He was assisted on the powerplay tally by Steven Shipley and defenseman Jesse Blacker (NHL TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS). The Attack added another goal a short time later from center Myles Doan at 7:52. The lone assist on the goal was credited to Blacker. The Spirit responded with a powerplay goal from rookie center Ivan Telegin at 16:13. Blueliner Ryan O'Connor and winger Josh Shalla received assists on the play. Saginaw continued their rally with another late powerplay goal from center Vincent Trocheck at 19:02, assisted by center Michael Sgarbossa and defenseman Joe Underwood. The first period ended with Owen Sound leading 3-2.
Saginaw struck first in the second period with a goal at 3:17 from Sgarbossa, his first in Spirit uniform. Wingers Josh Shalla and Jordan Skellett notched assists on the goal. The Spirit took the lead on a tally from winger Jordan Szwarz (NHL PHEONIX COYOTES) at the 9:00 mark, assisted by defenseman Brad Walch and center Tyler Murovich. Saginaw continued to attack the net as Shalla knocked in a goal 21 seconds later, adding to the Spirit lead. Shalla was assisted on the score by Skellett and Telegin. The Attack responded with a powerplay goal from Wilson at 16:05. Mignardi and Blacker were credited with assists on the goal. Saginaw ended the second period ahead 5-4.
Owen Sound scored first in the third, as Mignardi found the back of the net at 6:44. He was assisted on the goal by Wilson and Shipley. Saginaw regained the lead late in the period as O'Connor scored his first goal in a Spirit uniform at 17:30. Telegin and Shalla were credited with assists on the tally. Shalla padded the Spirit lead with an empty net goal, assisted by Skellett, at 19:38. The third period ended with the Spirit on top 7-5.
Spirit goaltender Edward Pasquale (NHL ATLANTA THRASHERS) posted 31 saves on 36 shots, while Owen Sound goalie Scott Stajcer (NHL NEW YORK RANGERS) finished with 28 saves on 34 shots.
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The Saginaw Spirit pay a visit the Sudbury Wolves Friday, November 20 and the Barrie Colts Saturday, November 21. Both games start at 7:30 PM, and fans can dial into the action live with the broadcast of Leigh Cunningham and Dennis Desrosiers on FM Talk and Sports WSGW 100.5.
The Spirit return home to host the Kingston Friday, November 27 at 7:11 PM. Friday's game will feature the WNEM 5-for-5 Deal. Visit the WNEM website (http://www.wnem.com/sports) to print your free 5-for-5 coupons before the game! Contact the Official Saginaw Spirit Ticket and Merchandise Store at 5789 State Street in Saginaw or call 989-497-7747 to get your tickets.
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