OHL Saginaw Spirit

Game On Tonight

Published on September 24, 2009 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


The Saginaw Spirit host their first two home games of the season this week as part of the Meijer Home Opening Celebration; the Spirit take on the Plymouth Whalers tonight at 7:11 PM and the Erie Otters Saturday, September 26 at 7:11 PM. Tickets for both games are on sale now! Contact the Spirit at 989-497-7747 or visit the Official Saginaw Spirit Ticket and Merchandise Store at 5789 State Street in Saginaw to get your tickets!

With the two home games on the immediate horizon, Saginaw Spirit Director of Communications and Broadcasting Leigh Cunningham previewed the rosters of the Whalers and Otters. For the rest of the OHL Western Conference and the OHL Eastern Conference Preview, pick up a copy of the Saginaw Spirit FACE OFF Yearbook, going on sale starting October 17. Preview provided on September 17, 2009.

View this article at SaginawSpirit.com to get access to Thursday's game roster and lineup!

The Meijer Eagles Nest series returns Tuesday, September 29 with game recaps and previews being released every week!

Plymouth Whalers

2008-2009 Regular Season Record: 37-26-5-0; 4th in OHL Western Conference

2009 Post Season: Lost in 2nd round, 4-2 to Windsor

After a sluggish start to the 2008-2009 season, the Whalers brought back a familiar face to preside over the bench as Mike Vellucci oversaw a major turnaround just prior to Christmas. The cupboard is by no means bare offensively this time around but Plymouth will have to absorb the loss of 92 point man Matt Caria. Although an overage candidate look for Chris Terry to take his 94 points to the pro ranks with the Carolina Hurricanes. Tyler Seguin was arguably the best rookie in the OHL in the second half of 2008-09 and returns as the league's third leading rookie scorer in his NHL draft season. Offence should also be provided by veterans A.J. Jenks and Ryan Hayes. The blueline will feature several familiar faces including up and coming Beau Schmitz, two time World Jr. participant Michal Jordan, and physical overager Leo Jenner. Another kingpin in Plymouth is goaltender Matt Hackett, now property of the Minnesota Wild, who turned in a 34 win campaign for the Whalers a season ago.

Forecast: The Whalers have lost some offence but Vellucci teams are competitive. Hackett will have to remain one of the elite goaltenders in the OHL for success in Plymouth this season.

Erie Otters

2008-2009 Regular Season Record: 34-29-3-2; 7th in OHL Western Conference

2009 Post Season: Lost in the 1st round, 4-1 to London

A return to the post season for the first time in four years has the Otters looking for more in the 2009-10 season, but much will depend on the team's ability to replace goals and perhaps a goaltender. Jaroslav Janus has been the Otters most valuable commodity over the past couple of years but he may have to be replaced after being drafted by Tampa, perhaps giving him a chance to make the jump to the pro level. Shane Owen will be fighting for the opportunity to replace him in the number one role after some quality starts in Janus's absence at the World Junior's last year. Up front there are holes to fill as well, with graduates Brandon Biggers and Justin Hodgman leaving a void of nearly 50 goals in the lineup. Veterans Zack Torquato and tough guy Luke Gazdic may have also played their final games for the Otters as well. With that, the number one offensive catalyst is without question Colorado NHL pick Ryan O'Reilly, one of the better playmakers in the league who comes to play every night. The Otters are also hoping for a full recovery from Andrew Yogan who enters his draft year trying to shake off the rigors of a concussion after lighting it up offensively upon his trade from Windsor. A veteran blueline will attempt to stay healthy this season after being banged up quite a bit last year. Former first round pick Mitch Gaulton saw limited duty on the backend after his recovery from elbow surgery.

Forecast: Getting Janus back for an overage campaign would be a huge bonus as would a return to form by Yogan, who could put up 40 goals if healthy. Leadership wise the Otters are in great shape with O'Reilly in the fold.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 24, 2009


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