OHL Saginaw Spirit

Ottawa defeats Spirit 5-0

Published on October 30, 2004 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


(Saginaw) -- The Eastern Conference Ottawa 67's downed the Saginaw Spirit 5-0 in Saginaw Saturday night at the Dow Event Center. The loss marred the home debut of Spirit goaltender Aaron Rock, who appeared in his fourth game in a Spirit uniform.

Spirit head coach Doug Lidster called the game a character check for the team. "We played a smart, disciplined style early in the game. But after the second goal, we fell back into bad habits of trying to rely on individual effort. It was a tough game to lose, but we have an opportunity to get back on track tomorrow."

The Spirit started with an early power play opportunity, but were unable to capitalize on the chance. Ottawa finally broke the scoreless deadlock at 17:03 of the first, on the power play when New York Rangers draft pick Jakub Petruzalek pounded in a goal at close range.

The score remained 1-0 mid-way into the second period, when Petruzalek struck again with an impossible-angle shot that struck goaltender Rock's skate, and deflected into the goal. Ottawa changed goaltenders two minutes later, when starter Danny Battochio was wobbled in a player collision outside the crease. Anthony Guadagnolo finished the game for the 67's.

Ottawa pushed their lead to 3-0 at 16:10 of the second, when over-age forward Brad Bonello backhanded a shot on a 2-1 breakaway.

Spirit goalie Mike Brown replaced Aaron Rock to begin the third period. The 67's struck twice more, on goals from Bonello and Jeremy Akeson, to finish the scoring at 5-0.

Spirit goaltenders had 20 saves in the effort. The loss takes Saginaw's record to 3-9-1-2 on the season. Saginaw returns to action Sunday afternoon to face division rival Windsor. It's Family Fun Day at the Dow Event Center, with special ticket prices courtesy SMG, The Saginaw News, Pepsi and Express Stop Food Stores.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 30, 2004


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