
Renew the Rivalry
September 24, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release
SAGINAW, MICH. - Today is a historic day at the Dow Event Center as the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds renew the historic rivalry between the two Michigan teams. Tonight the Coors Light 1-75 Divide kicks off the celebration of opening night for the 2015-16 Saginaw Spirit regular season and the coming of a new franchise to the Ontario Hockey League.
The rivalry between Saginaw and Flint dates back to the early 1970's International Hockey League. The Saginaw Gears inaugural season was in 1972, playing at the Saginaw Civic Center, now known as the Dow Event Center. Their most bitter rival played only 40 minutes away in the city of Flint, Michigan. Known as the Generals, Flint began their IHL journey in 1969 playing out of the IMA Sports Arena, now known as the Dort Federal Event Center. The two teams played for geographical pride until 1983.
Saginaw and Flint would meet once again in the Colonial Hockey League in 1994. They would carry the rivalry through the next five seasons until the Gears moved to Canton, Ohio.
The rivalry is renewed tonight as the Saginaw Spirit take on the Flint Firebirds at the Dow Event Center. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call (989) 497-7747 or saginawspirit.com.
Join us before the game for the I-75 Divide Fan Fest at the First Merit Bank Event Park starting at 5 p.m. With a Saginaw Spirit ticket enjoy food and live music by Mandi Layne and the Lost Highway.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 24, 2015
- Gettinger, Kopacka Wrap up All-American Prospects Game - Soo Greyhounds
- Saginaw Falls to Flint in I-75 Divide Opener - Saginaw Spirit
- Raddysh Brothers Propel Otters to OT Win in Opener - Erie Otters
- 67's Drop Close Season-Opener in Peterborough - Ottawa 67's
- Youthful Battalion Ready to Open Season - North Bay Battalion
- Wolves Announce 2015-16 Leadership Group - Sudbury Wolves
- Bulldogs Announce Broadcast Team on AM900 CHML - Brantford Bulldogs
- Bulldogs Announce Partnership with Cable 14 - Brantford Bulldogs
- Steelheads Announce New In-Stand Host and Broadcast Team - Brampton Steelheads
- Sting Announce Captain & Assistants - Sarnia Sting
- Amadio Appointed Battalion Captain - North Bay Battalion
- Storm Name 2015-16 Team Captains - Guelph Storm
- Renew the Rivalry - Saginaw Spirit
- McNiven Signs with Canadiens - Owen Sound Attack
- Flint and Saginaw to Battle on Ice for First Time in 16 Years - Flint Firebirds
- Jenys Returns - Sudbury Wolves
- Otters Announce Season Captains - Erie Otters
- Sun Life Financial Kids in Gear Charity Drive Car Draw Tickets Now Available - Kitchener Rangers
- Provincial Chrysler Steps up in New MVP Program - Windsor Spitfires
- Bruce Telecom Home Opener Goes Saturday - Owen Sound Attack
- Attack Kick off 2015/2016 - Owen Sound Attack
- Colts Name New Team Captain - Barrie Colts
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