OHL Saginaw Spirit

Saginaw Seeks First Win against Knights Saturday Night

Published on January 7, 2023 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, Mich. - The Saginaw Spirit (24-10-2-0) look to grab their first win this season against the London Knights (25-8-1-0) Saturday, January 7, at the Dow Event Center. The Knights claimed the first two matchups of the season series in late October.

Tonight's Game:

Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

The Spirit host 'Love Shouldn't Hurt' night in conjunction with the Bay Area Women's Center to educate fans on the support systems for victims of domestic violence.

Tickets:

Ticketmaster

Phone: (989) 497-7747

In-Person: Saginaw Spirit Store (6321 State St.), Dow Event Center Box Office

Broadcast:

Television: CHL TV, CHL App, OHL Action Pak Ch. 466

Radio: 100.5 FM WSGW, WSGW.com

Last Time:

Saginaw won 3-0 over the Kitchener Rangers Friday, January 6, at the Dow Event Center. Tristan Lennox earned his third career shutout with a 21 save performance. Pavel Mintyukov scored two goals and an assist, including the game winner. Mintyukov's assist ties him with Tyler Murovich for 20th place on the franchise's all-time assist list.

London defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 5-1 Friday, January 6, at the Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario. George Diaco scored a goal and an assist, and Easton Cowan earned two assists in the win. The Knights have now won eight straight games dating back to a shootout win over Ottawa on December 9.

This Season:

The Spirit and the Knights have faced off twice so far this season, with London winning both games. On October 21, Saginaw fell 4-3 in London after four unanswered Knight goals. Michael Misa scored two goals for the Spirit that night.

The next day, on October 22, the Knights defeated the Spirit in Saginaw with a final score of 7-4. In a similar fashion, four separate London skaters scored unanswered to put the game out of reach, and Michael Misa had two goals for Saginaw.

Players to Watch:

Minnesota Wild prospect Hunter Haight has looked right at home in Saginaw after arriving from Barrie on December 1. Since then, the center has seven goals and 12 assists in 12 games. Rookie Zayne Parekh was named December Rookie of the Month. He has 11 goals on the season, which is the most for any first year blueliner. Pavel Mintyukov, who was recognized as December's Defenseman of the Month, leads the Spirit in assists (38) and points (54). Michael Misa's 19 goals are the most of any OHL rookies and all Saginaw skaters. Tristan Lennox is out front for his club's goaltenders, with a 2.99 goals-against average (GAA) and an .889 save percentage (SV%). Forwards Dean Loukus and Matyas Sapovaliv are each expected to skate in their 100th OHL games tonight against the Knights.

Overage forward George Diaco's 18 goals and 44 points are the most for any Knights skater. He is also on a seven-game point streak, with five goals and nine assists in that span. Sean McGurn leads London with 27 assists. Goaltender Brett Brochu is out front for his club with a 2.57 GAA and a .909 SV%.

Saginaw has four (4) players drafted into the National Hockey League (NHL), including Pavel Mintyukov (Anaheim), Matyas Sapovaliv (Vegas), Tristan Lennox (New York Islanders), and Hunter Haight (Minnesota).

London has six (6) players drafted into the NHL, including Ryan Winterton (Seattle), Max McCue (San Jose), Landon Sim (St. Louis), Isaiah George (New York Islanders), Logan Mailloux (Montreal), and Jackson Edward (Boston).

Check out the Saginaw Spirit Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2023


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