Sports stats



OHL Saginaw Spirit

Preview: Spirit Host Otters, Red Wings Legend Mickey Redmond Saturday in Saginaw

December 29, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, MI - The Saginaw Spirit (19-11-2-2 42 pts.) begin a two-game home stand Saturday, December 29 when they host the Erie Otters (14-19-1-0 29 pts.) for the third meeting of the season between the Western Conference foes.

Fans can meet Detroit Red Wings legend Mickey Redmond beginning at 5:45 p.m. before the game presented by Causley Trucking, The Dow Chemical Company and Yeo & Yeo, CPA's. Along with Redmond, fans can see the Hockey Hall of Fame's Trophy display featuring some of the most prized and sought-after trophies in the NHL. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. as the Spirit look to remain perfect against the Otters this season, after the first two victories on the road in Erie.

The Saginaw Spirit are coming off a 4-2 road victory against West Division leading Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Friday evening. With the victory, the Spirit are now 8-2-1-1 since head coach Chris Lazary took over back on November 18.

Arizona Coyotes prospect Ivan Prosvetov allowed just two goals on 26 shots in the win over the rival Soo Greyhounds. The Russian goaltender improved to 16-6-1-0 in his first OHL season between the pipes.

Saginaw leading scorer Cole Coskey collected third star honors in the win against the Greyhounds. The Zion, Illinois native notched his team leading 16th goal of the season. The Spirit right-winger was returned from the Team USA World Juniors Selection Camp over the holiday break.

Overage left-winger Albert Michnac comes into Saturday's game riding a seven-game point streak after he collected an assist on Friday's first goal of the game. Michnac, tied for second among all Spirit players in points, had a 13-game point streak to start the season.

Jackson, Michigan native Blade Jenkins has been very strong against the Otters this season. The New York Islanders prospect had a goal and five points in the first two meetings against Erie. Jenkins, along with fellow New York Islanders prospect Bode Wilde, are tied with Michnac for second among Saginaw skaters with 34 points.

Wilde, a 2018 second round pick for the Islanders, is fourth among all OHL defensemen in points. The standout defenseman has amassed 34 points this season despite only appearing in 28 games. The Plymouth, Michigan native is riding a four-game point streak and had two assists in Saginaw's, 5-3 victory over Erie back on December 8.

Saginaw will need to contend with Erie leading scorer Kyle Maksimovich. Maksimovich is coming off a hat trick Friday in the Erie Otters victory over the Flint Firebirds. The overager has notched at least a point in seven consecutive games, including an assist in the last meeting versus the Spirit. Maksimovich's 46 points is tied for 10th among all OHL players this season.

Erie 2018 Import first round pick Petr Cajka has been solid in the two games against Saginaw. The 2019 NHL draft prospect has tallied a goal in each of the games at home against the Spirit.

Saturday's matchup will feature one of the league's better power play and the league's worst penalty kill. Saginaw comes into the game with the OHL's sixth-best power play, converting 23.7% of the team's man-power advantages this season despite going zero-for-five in Friday's game against the Soo. Erie has struggled to kill penalties so far this season, the Otters have killed an OHL worst 67.0% of the team's man-down situations.

Saginaw will continue the Coors Light I-75 Divide Rivalry at The Dow Event Center Sunday December 30 against the West Division rival Flint Firebirds at 5:30 p.m. for the first of a two-game home-in-home series. The Spirit were victorious in the first three meetings against the in-state foes. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet with characters from Paw Patrol in the Budweiser Red Room beginning at 4:00 p.m. as well as a post-game skate with the Saginaw Spirit players.

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

Check out the Saginaw Spirit Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 29, 2018


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.

OurSports Central