Preview: Spirit Host Firebirds Saturday on Teddy Bear Toss Night

Published on December 14, 2019 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release

The West Division-leading Saginaw Spirit (17-10-2-2, 38 pts.) finishes the back end of a home-and-home series against the in-state rival Flint Firebirds (18-12-0-0, 36 pts.) Saturday, December 14 for Teddy Bear Toss Night at The Dow Event Center presented by the Jayden Lamb Foundation.  Puck drop for the fourth installment of this season's I-75 Divide Rivalry begins at 7:05 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to bring their Teddy Bears to the arena and throw them onto the ice after the Spirit's first goal is scored.  All plush toys will be collected and donated to families and children affected by pediatric cancer.

The Spirit are 2-1-0-0 against the arch rival Firebirds after they defeated Flint 5-4 on the road Friday night for the team's second straight victory and seventh straight win at the Dort Federal Event Center.

Fans can catch this weekend's action on the flagship WSGW Newsradio 100.5 FM and www.wsgw.com with Art Lewis and the voice of Saginaw Spirit hockey Joey Battaino on the call.  "Countdown to Face-off" with host Charley Porter begins 15 minutes prior to puck drop.

To purchase tickets to any Saginaw Spirit home game call (989) 497-7747, visit www.saginawspirit.com, or visit the Saginaw Spirit Store at 5789 State Street, Saginaw MI.

A late goal with just 38 seconds left in regulation from New York Islanders prospect Cole Coskey powered the Spirit past the Firebirds.  The Zion, Illinois native Coskey set the record with 271 regular season games played in Saginaw Spirit team-history in the game against Flint.

Top 2020 NHL Draft prospect Cole Perfetti contributed a goal and assist in his first game back after he participated in Canada's World Juniors camp.  The Whitby, Ontario native leads the Spirit in both assists (31) and points (47) this season.

Minnesota Wild prospect Damien Giroux continued his torrid goal-scoring pace this season with a goal in the first period of Friday's game.  The Saginaw Spirit captain leads the team with 19 goals in just 30 games this season.

Saginaw Spirit center Camaryn Baber scored his second goal in as many games in the first period against the Firebirds.  The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native has two goals and three assists in the last four games for the club.

Defenseman D.J. Busdeker issued two helpers in the game against the Firebirds on Friday night.  The Dexter, Michigan native Busdeker has a goal and eight assists for nine points in his last six games.

2019 Flint Firebirds second overall pick Brennan Othmann had three points in a losing effort on Friday against the Spirit.  The effort was good for the game's second star honor for the rookie forward.  Othmann has six goals and 10 assists in 22 games in his first season in the OHL.

Overage forward Jake Durham tallied his 14th goal of the season against the Spirit Friday night.  The Port Perry, Ontario native led the Firebirds with 35 goals last season in 68 games.

Vancouver Canucks prospect Ethan Keppen added a goal in the 5-4 defeat against Saginaw Friday evening.  The Flint left-winger has 10 goals this season 26 games this season, which came off of his 30-goal output during his draft year season.

The Flint Firebirds have four players on their roster drafted by NHL clubs, forwards Ty Dellandrea (Dallas Stars), Ethan Keppen (Vancouver Canucks), defenseman Dennis Busby (Arizona Coyotes), and Vladislav Kolyachonok (Florida Panthers).

The Saginaw Spirit have a total of four players on their roster with NHL ties. Blade Jenkins (NY Islanders), Cole Coskey (NY Islanders), Mason Millman (Philadelphia Flyers), and Damien Giroux (Minnesota Wild).

Saginaw has two players listed in the 2020 NHL Central Scouting 'Players to Watch' list, including 'A' prospect Cole Perfetti. Rookie Ilya Solovyov is listed as a 'C' prospect.  Flint forward Evan Vierling was also listed as a 'C' prospect in the 2020 NHL Central Scouting 'Players to Watch list'.

Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 14, 2019

• 67's Beat Colts in Afternoon Match-Up - Barrie Colts
• Spirit Down Firebirds to Sweep Three-Game West Division Set - Saginaw Spirit
• Chenard Picks up First Career Shutout, Lawrence Adds First Goal in 4-0 Win over Wolves - Owen Sound Attack
• Fronts Fall 5-2 to Bulldogs at FirstOntario Centre - Kingston Frontenacs
• Schwindt Extends Point Streak in Sarnia - Brampton Steelheads
• Hayes Scores 2 Including Toy Toss Goal In Bulldogs 5-2 Win - Brantford Bulldogs
• 67's Score 5 Unanswered Goals in Win over Colts - Ottawa 67's
• Rangers Extend Their Win Streak to 9 in a Drubbing of the Storm, 6-1 - Kitchener Rangers
• OHL Announces Rescheduled Game Between London and Niagara - London Knights
• Knights Get Stung by the Sting - London Knights
• Postponed Game vs London Rescheduled - Niagara IceDogs
• OHL Announces Rescheduled Game Between London and Niagara - OHL
• Game Preview: Kitchener Rangers at Guelph Storm - Guelph Storm
• Preview: Spirit Host Firebirds Saturday on Teddy Bear Toss Night - Saginaw Spirit
• Flint Travels to Saginaw for Game 4 of I-75 Divide Cup Saturday - Flint Firebirds
• Sting Take Round One of Battle of the 402 in London - Sarnia Sting
• Petes Win Third Straight, Second of Season against Oshawa - Peterborough Petes

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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