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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Hislop Scores First OHL Goal; Spirit Fall to Rangers, 5-2

March 4, 2022 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Kitchener, Ont. - The Saginaw Spirit (17-32-1-0) had their second-half struggles continue Friday night at The Aud against the Kitchener Rangers (20-24-2-2) in a 5-2 defeat in front of 4,749 fans.

The Spirit got on the board first for the second straight game when a blue line shot from defenseman PJ Forgione found day light between the pads of Rangers goalie Pavel Cajan. The goal was Forgione's fifth of the season and his 20th point of the campaign. Pavel Mintyukov and Matyas Sapovaliv picked up assists on the goal from the Novi, Michigan native at 4:21 of the opening period. At 8:34, overage defenseman Justin Nolet scored on a slick rush from his own zone. His move at the Spirit blue line freed up the room he needed to get in on Tristan Lennox and score his seventh goal of the season. Late in the period, while Luke McNamara was serving a slashing penalty, the Rangers made the Spirit's top-ranked penalty kill pay on Reid Valade's 21st goal of the season. Valade took a perfect pass from Los Angeles Kings prospect Francesco Pinelli to give the Rangers the lead at 18:25. Kitchener took that 2-1 lead to the dressing room.

The second period featured wide open hockey from both clubs and chances in transition on both goalies. 36 shots were put on goal in the second period, evenly distributed between the two teams. Matthew Sop scored to be what would eventually be the game-winning goal at 2:43 of the period. He was assisted by Justin Nolet, who earned first star honors in the game with his goal and assist output. As the barrage of shots continued, Kitchener's Mike Petizian extended their lead to 4-2 at 5:12. Rangers netminder Pavel Cajan made multiple clutch stops in the second to keep the Ranger lead in tact.

With Cajan holding down the fort, the Spirit threatened late in the game when Ranger forward Navrin Mutter was given a 5:00 major penalty for kneeing and a game ejection, when his illegal hit forced Spirit star forward Josh Bloom out of the game with an injury. Without Bloom, Saginaw was unable to strike on their 5:00 power play. Saginaw pulled Lennox late in the game but Andrew LeBlanc scored into the empty net. In the final minutes of the game, Ian Phillips made a smart rush down the ice and found Brayden Hislop in front of the net for his first OHL goal. The final score tonight was 5-2 in favor of the Rangers.

Saginaw will skate Saturday night against the Owen Sound Attack. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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