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 Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Send Five Players to NHL Prospects Camps

September 15, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


SAGINAW, MICH - The Saginaw Spirit are proud to announce that five rostered players were chosen to compete in NHL Prospects Camps throughout North America.

Woodbridge, Ontario native Dylan Sadowy, who was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 3rd round, 81st overall in 2014, was invited to participate in Sharks Rookie camp at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. Sadowy is coming off of his best year of major junior, scoring 42 goals and 74 points. The 19-year-old forward was recently named an assistant captain on the 2015-16 Spirit roster.

When describing the game of Mitchell Stephens the words, "Complete Package" come to mind. The 18-year-old forward had a sensational sophomore season, netting 22 goals in 62 games and scoring 10 points in the 2014-15 U18 World Junior Championship for Canada. The 2nd round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015 traveled to Estero, Florida for the Lightning's Prospects camp. Stephens broke out last Saturday night, scoring two goals in a 5-1 Lightning win over the Nashville Predators. Stephens will be looked on to provide leadership this season, as he too was named an assistant captain for the 2015-16 season.

Russian import forward Artem Artemov is coming off of an impressive rookie campaign in the OHL. Artemov scored 32 points playing in all 68 games for the Spirit last season. The hard work paid off for the 18-year-old who was invited to New York Rangers Prospects Camp as a free agent. The 6'0 200 lbs. forward is touted for his two-way game and creativity in the offensive zone.

Ajax, Ontario native Marcus Crawford is coming off of an impressive rookie season with the Spirit. Crawford's 23 points put him second on the 2014-15 roster in scoring from defenseman. The 18-year-old was invited to Ottawa Senators camp as a free agent in London, ON.

At age 18, Chase Stewart is arguably the most physical defenseman on the Spirit roster. Stewart using his 6'2" 225 lbs. frame to his advantage, consistently delivering bone-crushing checks. The Marathon, Ontario native was invited to join OHL standouts Dylan Strome and Max Domi at Arizona Coyotes Prospects camp in Glendale, Arizona.

Former NHL player and Spirit Head Coach Greg Gilbert knows how valuable this experience can be for a young player.

"It's a great opportunity for our players to attend the prospects camps for their respective teams. The experience they will have is something they are can learn from, bring that experience back to our club, and help them as individuals understand what it takes and prepare themselves to hopefully become professional hockey players."

General Manager Dave Drinkill is excited to see his players in the position to get spotted by NHL personnel.

"As an organization anytime you have a chance to see your players progress in their careers and have a chance to skate at the next level, it is very exciting. Each and every player in our organization is an extension of our Spirit family and we take great pride in watching them come closer to achieving their goal of making the National Hockey League. This season we were fortunate to have five of our players skate in NHL rookie camps and we hope that as we keep building our organization that this number will grow each season."

The Spirit close out the preseason home schedule this Friday night against the Soo Greyhounds. Tickets are only $7. Call (989) 497-7747 or log on to saginawspirit.com for more information.


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