OHL Saginaw Spirit

Giroux Relishing Opportunity as Captain of Saginaw Spirit

Published on October 18, 2018 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


When former defenseman Keaton Middleton parted ways in September to sign a contract with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League, the Spirit brain trust had much to consider when finding his replacement.

Whoever was to take hold of the challenge not only needed to be a leader inside the locker room and on the ice, but also set the tone as an example of an influential member for the Saginaw community.

So when all the boxes were checked, the decision became clear to have forward Damien Giroux wear the "C" on his shoulder to begin the 2018-19 season.

"It was a big step for my career in earning the captain role," said Giroux. "I was able to learn off of Keaton last year as he was a huge role model for me. I also have two greats assistants in D.J. Busdeker and Brady Gilmour to lean on as well. It's awesome to have those people in my corner."

In his third season with the Spirit after being taken in the third round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection, Giroux has seen his influence as both a weapon offensively and grinder gravitate to new levels every year.

At just 18-years-old, Giroux will have played over 130 games before Saginaw returns to the Dow Event Center this weekend for back-to-back home games against the Barrie Colts and Flint Firebirds. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder stands at 33 goals and 46 assists for 79 points so far into his OHL career.

Giroux, a fifth-round selection of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Minnesota Wild, recently obtained a pair of midseason awards this week after his combined seven-point outing in two games, helping the Spirit extend their winning-streak to five games and a first-place tie in the Western Conference standings.

The 18-year-old produced a career-high five points, scoring three goals in the third period alone for his first ever hat trick, in last Saturday's 6-2 win over the North Bay Battalion. Giroux also scored the game-winner the following day for the 2-1 comeback win against the Kitchener Rangers.

"It happened so quickly," Giroux said about completing the hat trick. "It's not every night that something like that happens, but it's something that I'll definitely remember for a while."

When the Spirit named Giroux as the organization's 20th captain in franchise history on Sept. 21, the same day that announced Gilmour and Busdeker as alternate captains, the Hammer, Ontario, native called it an honor to be chosen.

"This doesn't happen very often so this'll definitely help out from a confidence standpoint," Giroux said. "Hopefully, I can keep this trend going for the remainder of the season."

Giroux's glowing attribute as someone with an undeniable level of intensity began to radiate under the guidance of Middleton. Joining his older brother, Jake, out west in San Jose, California, Middleton set the standard on how to flourish with the responsibility that comes with being a captain.

Donning the letter on his sweater for two straight seasons, Middleton spent four years with the Spirit, leading the club to two playoff appearances in 194 games played. The former fourth round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016 has recorded two assists in his short time with the Barracuda.

"Keaton was definitely a leader that everyone looked up to," Giroux said. "He had so many great qualities when he wore the "C" last season. Overall, he was just great guy to learn from."

Giroux joined the Spirit in 2016 at age 16 after transitioning from the Sudbury Wolves Minor Midget team. It was there Giroux would score 28 goals and 41 assists for 69 points to earn Player of the Year honors in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association.

Giroux now continues to preserve his spot at center on the second line alongside second-year Nicholas Porco and New York Islanders prospect Blade Jenkins. Through 10 games played this season, the trio has combined for 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points. Porco currently leads the Spirit with eight goals and Giroux has a team-high plus-minus of +9.

"When all three players on the line are rolling, it does nothing but contribute immensely to the team's success and confidence from an individual standpoint," Giroux said.

Giroux's commitment to orchestrating profound leadership qualities has him understanding what it means to make others around him better for success individually and collectively. It's that type of attitude that isn't forgotten outside of the rink for Giroux when the jersey comes off.

"Being a captain has translated well to my personal life," he said. "But I don't try to change my character as I'm the same person in both roles. I try to keep myself as grounded as possible."

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.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 18, 2018


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