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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Preds Pick Willis at 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft

June 29, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Nashville, Tenn. - Spirit center Joey Willis heard his name called during Day 2 of the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft in Nashville.

Willis was selected in the fourth round, 111th overall by the Nashville Predators. The Elmhurst, Ill. native posted 44 points (15G, 29A) with the Spirit this season, finishing 5th in OHL Rookie scoring. At season's end, Willis was named to the OHL's First All-Rookie Team with teammates Michael Misa and Zayne Parekh.

"Nashville's the spot that chose me and I'm excited to get started here," said Willis. "These are my colors now and that's how I like it, that's how it should be."

Willis becomes the 3rd player in Spirit history to be selected by the Nashville Predators after Josh Shalla (94th Overall, 2011), and Vaclav Meidl (81st Overall, 2004).

Willis was named the West Division's Academic Player of the Month for January of 2023. He is the 64th player in Spirit franchise history to be drafted by an NHL team.

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