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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Add Two-Way Center Hay in Deal with Firebirds

October 25, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, Mich. - Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced Wednesday morning that the team has acquired Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Ethan Hay from the Flint Firebirds along with Sarnia's sixth-round pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

In exchange, the Spirit sent the following draft picks to Flint:

- 2nd round, 2024 (SAG)

- 2nd round, 2027 (KIT)

- 3rd round, 2024 (NB)

- 3rd round, 2026 (BAR)

- 5th round, 2027 (SAG)

- 7th round, 2025 (SAR)

"We are thrilled to add Ethan Hay to an already talented group here in Saginaw today," said Drinkill. "We've obviously seen a lot of his play in the past few seasons, and his performance in last year's playoffs made a lasting impression."

Selected in the 211th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2023 NHL Draft, Hay is in the midst of his third OHL season. The left-shot center has skated in in 132 games during his career with the Flint Firebirds, tallying 27 goals and 23 assists for 50 points during the regular season.

The Waterloo, Ont. native also holds 26 games of playoff experience, having gone to the Western Conference Final with Flint in 2022 and battling with the Spirit in last season's opening round showdown. In seven games against Saginaw last spring, Hay contributed six points (1G, 5A) and was a staggering 59.4% from the faceoff circle.

"Ethan's scoring ability and edge make him an impact player every night. We wanted a competitor who is exhausting to play against, and we've seen first-hand that he fits that description perfectly," continued Drinkill. "Bringing in an NHL-drafted player gives us yet another strong voice in the room, and we're excited to see him in action this weekend."

Hay set career highs offensively with the Firebirds during the 2022-2023 season, scoring 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points in 64 games. Once again stellar in the faceoff circle, he finished second among Flint centers at 54.6% on the draw.

For his tenacity and defensive ability, Hay received league-wide acclaim during his sophomore OHL season. In the 2022-2023 coach's poll, Hay was named the Western Conference's 2nd best defensive forward behind Windsor's Jacob Maillet. One vote behind his now-teammate Matyas Sapovaliv, Hay was also named the West's second-best faceoff man.

In addition to his on-ice talents, Hay was named a co-recipient of the Ivan Tennant Memorial Award, earning the honor of the OHL's Top Academic High School Student with George Alboim of the Erie Otters. His dedication in the classroom earned him a 95% average during his senior year, studying Literacy, Marketing, Food and Nutrition, Leadership, Physical Education, and Business.

Hay was selected by the Firebirds 46th overall in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. In the 2023-2024 season so far, Hay has notched three points (2G, 1A) in nine games.

For more information, visit saginawspirit.com or follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 25, 2023


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