OHL Saginaw Spirit

Saginaw Spirit Eagles Nest Notes

December 10, 2010 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


The Saginaw Spirit are primed for a two game weekend series, featuring a home game against the Kingston Frontenacs on Friday, December 10 at 7:11 PM and the Plymouth Whalers on Sunday, December 12 at 4:00 PM. The Spirit enter the week atop the OHL's Western Conference standings with 42 points on the year, two better than the Owen Sound Attack and four points ahead of the Kitchener Rangers.

On the ice, Saginaw forward Josh Shalla by virtue of a run that has seen him record 21 goals in his last 19 games has moved into a tie for top spot in league goals with Ottawa's Tyler Toffoli, and Owen Sound's Garrett Wilson, who also have 25 goals on the season. The Spirit's Brandon Saad, along with the two games this week, is preparing for Team USA's final evaluation camp which will determine the roster for the defending Gold Medalists' World Junior entry in the upcoming event over the Holiday Season in Buffalo. Saad is the only non-goaltender from the OHL invited to the final camp, with Windsor's Jack Campbell making a return to Team USA this time around.

Kingston at Saginaw: The Frontenacs begin a three game in three days swing through Michigan and Windsor boasting one of the top records away from home in the OHL. So far this season Kingston has won nine of fifteen while playing away from the K-Rock Center. Kingston features a high powered offense led by veteran Nathan Moon, who has led the Frontenacs in scoring the last three seasons, and his next point with be his 300th in the OHL. Kingston also made a splash a few weeks ago on the trade front acquiring the services of Boston prospect Ryan Spooner in a deal with Peterborough, with Spooner having recorded 12 points in 10 games so far with the Frontenacs. New York Rangers pick Ethan Werek is another go to guy offensively, and another recent trade made by the team brought in Brampton's top point producer from a season ago Sean Jones. The visitors will have to make do without one of their key contributors on the back end as Erik Gudbranson, the third player taken overall by Florida in the last NHL Draft, is unavailable due to a suspension. In his absence, the blueline is anchored by the towering Taylor Doherty a prospect of the San Jose Sharks. In goal, Philipp Grubauer gives the Frontenacs Memorial Cup experience from his time in Windsor, and he will be on his way to the World Juniors representing Team Germany.

Plymouth at Saginaw: After splitting the first two games of the season played in Plymouth the state rivals will match up in Saginaw's first Sunday home game of the season. The Whalers handed the Spirit their first and only shutout loss of the season in the last meeting led by New Jersey prospect Scott Wedgewood who was honored as the OHL's Goaltender of the Month for November after the Spirit's Mavric Parks took home the same honor the previous month. Like the Spirit, the Whalers are well represented in NHL Central Scouting's Preliminary Rankings with three skaters Stefan Noesen, Rickard Rakell, and Garrett Meurs in the top 25 in the OHL, and Matt Mahalak the second ranked goaltender in the league. The Whalers feature a balanced scoring attack led by Noesen who tops the team in points, but another four Plymouth skaters have topped the 20 point mark on the season. The Whalers have also been the model of consistency when it comes to post season appearances as Plymouth has made the OHL playoffs an impressive 19 years in a row.

Get your tickets! For ticket information, please contact the Saginaw Spirit at 989-497-7747 or visit the Official Saginaw Spirit Ticket and Merchandise Store at 5789 State Street in Saginaw. Tickets can also be purchased at SaginawSpirit.com or any TicketMaster Outlet.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 10, 2010


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