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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Blanked by Knights, 3-0

January 7, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, Mich. - The Saginaw Spirit (24-11-2-0) were unable to score on the London Knights (26-8-1-0) as they fell 3-0 Saturday, January 7, at the Dow Event Center.

New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox made 26 saves on 27 shots for Saginaw. Zach Bowen earned his first career shutout by stopping all 26 shots for London.

The game started with Saginaw on the powerplay after Oliver Bonk was called for high sticking at 3:12. The Spirit were unable to capitalize on the chance but were able to rack up several shots.

Through the second half of the opening period, both teams attempted to find the back of the net but were met by strong performances by both goaltenders.

At the end of the first period, neither team had found their way onto the scoresheet despite an 8-5 shot advantage for the Knights.

The second period opened with London on the man-advantage after Roberto Mancini committed a hooking penalty at 4:35. Saginaw successfully killed off the penalty with help from Lennox.

Roberto Mancini took a roughing penalty at 8:29 in the middle period, giving the Knights another powerplay. This time, London was able to find the back of the net seven seconds into the advantage at 8:36. Ryan Winterton won the faceoff after a short battle and got the puck to Oliver Bonk behind him. From there, the defensemen skated to the top of the zone and passed to Logan Mailloux. The Montreal Canadiens prospect rifled a shot from the top of the right circle past Lennox's blocker for his 12th goal of the season.

Both teams had several long possessions and close shot attempts but both Lennox and Bowen stood tall in net.

At the end of the second period, London led 1-0 and held a 21-18 shot advantage.

The third period started with a scrum that resulted in a powerplay for Saginaw. The Knights were able to hold the Spirit from scoring on the chance.

After more back-and-forth play, the Spirit called Lennox to the bench with two minutes to go in the final period. London seized the chance and scored a pair of empty net goals. The first goal was scored by Ryan Humphrey and assisted by Landon Sim. The second was scored by Ryan Winterton and assisted by Sean McGurn and George Diaco.

At the final horn, the Knights claimed a 3-0 win a 26-save shutout for Zach Bowen.

Saginaw's next game is on the road against their division rival Windsor Spitfires Thursday, January 12, at the WFCU Centre. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Saginaw Spirit Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2023


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