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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Ryan Stepien Scores in 8-1 Loss to Greyhounds

March 14, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Sault Ste. Marie, ON. - On Wednesday night, the Saginaw Spirit (29-29-8-0) traveled to Sault Ste. Marie to face the Greyhounds (54-7-2-3). This game marked the eighth and final meeting for the Spirit and Hounds in the regular season. Spirit goaltender and New Jersey Devils prospect Evan Cormier made his 59th appearance of the season. The Greyhounds scored three times in the first period, and added a season-high five goals in the third period. Ryan Stepien scored his 10th goal of the season in the third period.

The first shot on goal for the Greyhounds hit the crossbar, but was rebounded by Hayden Verbeek for the Soo's first goal at 1:19. With a one-man advantage Barrett Hayton was able to get the puck across to Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Taylor Raddysh. A shot from the bottom of the circle by Raddysh beat Spirit goaltender Evan Cormier on the blocker side. The powerplay goal was scored at 3:59 to make the score 2-0. In the Soo zone Mac Hollowell made a long pass to Tampa Bay Lightening prospect Boris Katchouk was was able to sneak one past Cormier to end the first period with a 3-0 lead. 

The Spirit saw more scoring opportunities during the second period with various power plays. Two Greyhound penalties resulted in a Spirit 5-on-3 power play for 1:35. With Saginaw looking to capitalize on a goal, the Soo activated their defense and allowed only one shot on goal. A penalty on Conor Timmins at 19:51 for slashing would give the Spirit a power play to start the third period. Neither team found the back of the net in the second period, keeping the Soo in a 3-0 lead.

The Spirit were unable to capitalize on their early power play in the third. A loose puck turned into a 2-on-0 for Metamora, Michigan native Jack Kopacka who was able to make the score 4-0. At the beginning of another Spirit power play, Evan Cormer headed to the bench at 10:57 to give the Spirit a 6-on-4 advantage. Shorthanded Morgan Frost took off for a straight shot to the net and an empty net goal. Katchouk was able to get the puck to Jordan Sambrook at the right circle for another shorthanded goal. At 12:48 Ryan Stepien scored his 10th goal of the season. Stepien redirected a shot from the point position by Detroit Red Wings prospect Reilly Webb. Goals by Timmins and Kopacka would end the game in an 8-1 decision for the Greyhounds.

Applebee's Three Stars of the Game:

1.     Morgan Frost (SSM) 1G, 2A

2.     Mac Hollowell (SSM) - 1A

3.     Taylor Raddysh (SSM) - 1G, 1A

The Saginaw Spirit (29-29-8-0, 66 points, 4th in West Division) will face the London Knights (38-23-2-2, 80 points, 2nd in Midwest Division) at The Dow Event Center on Saturday, March 17th. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. This game marks the last regular season home game for the Spirit and Fan Appreciation Night presented by Express Stop Food Stores.

For tickets and more information:

Reserve your seat at The Dow Event Center by calling (989) 497-7747 or visit www.saginawspirit.com for more information. YOUR Region. YOUR team. YOU'RE invited.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 14, 2018


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