
Crawford Signs Two-Year Deal with Detroit Red Wings Top Affiliate, Grand Rapids
April 3, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release
Saginaw, MI - On Tuesday, the Grand Rapids Griffins, AHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings, announced the signing of Saginaw Spirit defenseman Marcus Crawford to a two-year contract. Crawford has also signed a Amateur Tryout (ATO) and will join the Griffins for the remainder of the AHL season.
"We are thrilled that Marcus Crawford will be joining the Detroit Red Wings organization now that he has graduated on from the OHL," said Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill.
"Marcus played four years in Saginaw and made an impact on both the team and the community during his years with the Spirit. We wish Marcus and his family the best of luck in his future."
Crawford, 21, was a third round pick (44th overall) in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection Draft out of the South Central Coyotes Minor Midget program. As a 16 year old, Crawford played for the Whitby Fury in the OJHL, before becoming a full-time member of the Spirit roster during the 2014-15 season.
Crawford would go on to have one of the most successful careers of any defenseman to wear the red, white, and blue. The Ajax, Ontario native would amass 126 assists in 252 career games, second all-time among defenseman. His 252 career games in a Spirit uniform ranks him sixth all-time in franchise Games Played.
Crawford also became the first defenseman in franchise history to score five points in two separate games during the 2016-17 season. He picked up his 100th career point on October 7th, 2017 against the Barrie Colts and his 100th career assist on November 22nd, 2017 in a game against the Flint Firebirds.
Read the full release: https://griffinshockey.com/news-stats/?article_id@36
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.
Images from this story
![]() Saginaw Spirit Defenseman Marcus Crawford |
Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 3, 2018
- Firebirds Conclude Third OHL Season with 2017-18 Awards Banquet - Flint Firebirds
- Frontenacs' Gabriel Vilardi named CHL Player of the Week - OHL
- Gabriel Vilardi Named OHL 'On the Run' Player of the Week - Kingston Frontenacs
- Pair of 2018 Picks Acquired from Saginaw - Windsor Spitfires
- Kingston vs Barrie: Road to the 2nd Round - Kingston Frontenacs
- Crawford Signs Two-Year Deal with Detroit Red Wings Top Affiliate, Grand Rapids - Saginaw Spirit
- DiPietro leads way with three 2017-18 team awards - Windsor Spitfires
- Firebirds & Old Newsboys Partner for Golf Cart Raffle - Flint Firebirds
- OHL Priority Selection Set for Saturday - Owen Sound Attack
- Alex Formenton Reassigned to Belleville Senators - London Knights
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.
Other Recent Saginaw Spirit Stories
- Nic Sima Wins Ted Baker Teammate of the Year Award
- Michael Misa Wins 2025 Red Tilson Trophy as OHL's Most Outstanding Player
- Misa Wins Bobby Smith Trophy as OHL's Top Academic Player
- Spirit Defenseman Sienko Wins Ivan Tennant Memorial Award as Top Academic High School Student
- Hockey Canada Names Zayne Parekh to World Championship Pre-Tournament Camp

