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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Oke Stops 24, Sapovaliv Nets Game-Winner in Saginaw's Fourth-Straight Win

November 11, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw Spirit's Matyas Sapovaliv, Zayne Parekh and Valentin Zhugin on game night
Saginaw Spirit's Matyas Sapovaliv, Zayne Parekh and Valentin Zhugin on game night
(Saginaw Spirit, Credit: Steven Frank)

Saginaw, Mich. - The Saginaw Spirit (8-7-0-1) defeated the Windsor Spitfires (4-12-1-0) by a score of 3-1 on Saturday, November 11th, at the Dow Event Center. Matyas Sapovaliv extended his scoring streak to nine games with the game winner, and Andrew Oke started in net for the Spirit, stopping 24 of 25 shots. Ian Michelone started in net for the Spitfires, saving 20 of 23 shots on goal.

The Spirit scored the first goal of the game, 6:04 into the first period. Josh Glavin passed the puck to Dean Loukus who'd go all the way up into the Spitfires zone. Face to face with Connor Toms, Loukus took a shot between the defenseman's legs and past Ian Michelone's blocker, giving Saginaw a 1-0 lead.

The first period ended with Saginaw leading Windsor, 1-0, with the Spirit also outshooting the Spitfires 6-5. Saginaw was unable to score on it's lone powerplay chance of the night.

Connor Toms went to the penalty box for a slashing call 2:45 into the second period. He was soon followed by Anthony Cristoforo who was called for a high sticking penalty 3:21 into the second. This gave Saginaw a 5v3 power play opportunity. Saginaw took advantage when Zayne Parekh made a cross-ice pass to Hunter Haight in the left face-off circle. Haight took a shot on goal with the puck bouncing off Michelone's pads. Matyas Sapovaliv was there for the rebound and give Saginaw a 2-0 lead over Windsor 3:59 into the second period.

Windsor was quick to respond with Oliver Peer skating all the way up ice, taking a shot from between the hash marks. The puck sailed past Andrew Oke's head and into the net, cutting the Spitfires deficit to 2-1 with 15:42 left in the second period on the shorthanded goal.

Saginaw suffered their first penalty of the night with Roberto Mancini going to the penalty box on a hooking call. The Spirit defense remained strong and only allowed 2 shots on goal with none meeting the back of the net.

Soon after the penalty was killed, Lincoln Moore skated into a loose puck for a breakaway. Moore took a shot between the hash marks that slipped through Ian Michelone's legs and into the net. This gave Saginaw back the their breathing room, 3-1, with 12:17 left in the second period. Roberto Mancini was also credited with an assist on the goal.

The second period ended with Saginaw leading Windsor, 3-1, as well as outshooting the Spitfires 18-12 (12-7 in the second period).

With 15:33 left in the game, PJ Forgione took a seat in the penalty box on a holding call, giving Windsor another power play opportunity. Saginaw continued to showcase their strength, allowing only two shots on goal while Forgione was away.

With 6:35 left in the game, Josef Eichier was sent to the penalty box for a roughing call, giving Saginaw another power play opportunity. The Spirit had plenty of chances, taking a multitude of shots on goal but none met their mark.

Saginaw walked away with a victory over Windsor by a score of 3-1, thanks to a 24-save performance from Andrew Oke.

Saginaw's next game will be against the Windsor Spitfires again on Sunday, November 12th. Puck drop is at 4:05pm at the WFCU Centre.

For more information, visitsaginawspirit.comor follow the team onTwitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Images from this story

Saginaw Spirit's Matyas Sapovaliv, Zayne Parekh and Valentin Zhugin on game night
Saginaw Spirit's Matyas Sapovaliv, Zayne Parekh and Valentin Zhugin on game night
(Steven Frank)		   



Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 11, 2023


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