Spirit Alum Mitchell Stephens to Make NHL Debut for Tampa Bay
December 9, 2019 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release
On Monday afternoon, Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper announced Saginaw Spirit graduate Mitchell Stephens would make his NHL debut Monday evening against the New York Islanders.
On Stephens: "One thing he's blessed with is the ability to skate... if he's just got that going tonight it's going to be an asset for us. He's good in the circle, he can kill penalties, but to add to our team speed, that's a good thing."#NYIvsTBL | Jon Cooper: pic.twitter.com/iqh59oAcJ9
- Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 9, 2019
Stephens, 22, was a 2013 first round pick, eighth overall, of the Saginaw Spirit and played 180 games for the Spirit from 2013-17. The Peterborough, Ontario native finished his Spirit career 18th all-time in scoring with 62 goals and 73 assists for 135 points.
"When I got the call, I called my parents right away and told them. It's a pretty cool feeling. I'm excited to be here, excited for the opportunity."#NYIvsTBL | Mitchell Stephens: pic.twitter.com/GyxdfVANhi
- Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 9, 2019
In his time with the Spirit, Stephens also participated in the CHL Top Prospects Game, won a gold medal at the Hlinka Memorial Tournament, a bronze medal at Under-18 World Junior Championship, and a silver medal at the 2017 U20 World Junior Championship.
Stephens has 76 points in 131 career AHL games with Syracuse, AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and is coming off an AHL All-Star Game appearance in his rookie season.
Images from this story
Mitchell Stephens with the Saginaw Spirit |
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