NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Jenkins, Giroux, Kohn Each Score 17th Goal of the Season; Spirit Win Seven of Eight against Firebirds

February 17, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) - Saginaw Spirit News Release


FLINT, Mich. - On Saturday night, the Saginaw Spirit (27-20-8-0) headed to Flint to play the Flint Firebirds (16-34-3-2) for the eighth and final time in the regular season. The Spirit opened the game with a goal in the first 28 seconds from Blade Jenkins. Flint came back to tie the game 1-1 in the second period. The third period saw a total of six goals and ended in a 5-3 victory for the Spirit. The Spirit now have earned a point in their last nine consecutive games against the Firebirds. The Spirit end the Coors Light I-75 Divide series 7-0-1.

During the first shift of the game, the Spirit took the puck from their zone to face Luke Cavallin for the first time. Damien Giroux was able to rush out of the Spirit zone and chip the puck to D.J. Busdeker. Michigan native Blade Jenkins got a crisp pass from Busdeker and was able to swipe the puck under the pads of Cavallin 28 seconds into the game. The first shot of the game by Jenkins marked his 17th goal of the season. Jenkins continued to fire shots and keep Cavallin on his toes throughout the first period.

Flint came back to tie the game early in the second frame. On a rebound, Jake Durham was able to slide one into the net as New Jersey Devils prospect Evan Cormier was out of position at 3:58. Matching penalties for slashing called on Jalen Smereck and Danny Katic would take the game to 4-on-4 play. A penalty on Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Fedor Gordeev game the Spirit a 4-on-3 advantage for 46 seconds. Though the Spirit was unable to capitalize on a goal during the power play they sent countless pucks Cavallin's way.

With the score tied 1-1 the Spirit came back from the locker room ready to take a lead. Damien Giroux rolled one past Cavallin for his 17th of the season. Just 34 seconds later Mason Kohn was able to beat Cavallin on the glove side to take a 3-1 lead. Following Jenkins and Giroux, Kohn also secured his 17th goal of the season. A Spirit penalty gave the Firebirds a one-man advantage where Smereck went to the high slot and shot a wrister bringing the score to 3-2. C.J. Clarke battled back and tied the game 3-3 at 7:46. With two goals each in the third period tension rose at The Dort Federal Event Center. Jenkins had the puck behind the net and was able to center the puck to Jake Goldowski who fired the puck at Cavallin and took the Spirit to a 4-3 lead. With Flint on a penalty kill for the last minute of play Cavallin headed to the bench to make it 5-on-5. Marcus Crawford would earn an empty net powerplay goal and end the game in a 5-3 Spirit victory.

Applebee's Three Stars of the Game

1. Damien Giroux (SAG) - G, 2A, +2

2. Mason Kohn (SAG) -G, 2A, +1

3. Riley McCourt (FLNT) - 2A, +1

The Saginaw Spirit (27-20-8-0, 60 points, 3rd in West Division) will face the Sarnia Sting (39-12-4-0, 82 points, 2nd in the Wesr Division) at Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Monday, February 19th, puck drops at 2:05 p.m. with broadcast coverage beginning at 1:50 p.m. on Newsradio 790 AM WSGW and www.wsgw.com

For tickets and more information:

Reserve your seat at The Dow Event Center by calling (989) 497-7747 or visit www.saginawspirit.com for more information. YOUR Region. YOUR team. YOU'RE invited.


• Discuss this story on the Ontario Hockey League message board...

Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2018


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central