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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Comeback Effort Falls Short to Spitfires

December 17, 2021 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, MI - The Saginaw Spirit learned earlier today that Friday's game in Saginaw would be their last before the 10-day Holiday Break due to COVID-19 protocols effecting the Flint Firebirds. The Spirit welcomed the Windsor Spitfires to The Dow Event Center, for the third of eight meetings on the season. Saginaw had won the previous two meetings by a 6-5 score. Despite a valiant effort, the Spirit would fall by a 7-5 score, this evening.

Windsor's overage forward Daniel D'Amico opened the scoring for the Spits at 11:25 of the opening period with a power play tally from Wyatt Johnston and Louka Henault. The Spits went up by two goals when D'Amico beat out an icing call and setup Jacob Maillet in front of the goal. His third goal of the season at 13:40 made it 2-0 in favor of the visitors. Windsor carried that lead into the first period break and outshot the Spirit, 12-4.

The Spits would go up by three goals when Alex Christopoulos broke in behind the Spirit defense and shot the puck over the glove of Spirit goaltender Andrew Oke. Saginaw showed signs of life late in the period when Evan Klein scored his third goal of the season to bring the Teddy Bears to the ice. Klein's goal was assisted by Pacey Schlueting at 18:45.

Windsor wasted little time getting that goal back, as Matthew Maggio scored just 25 seconds in the third period. Wyatt Johnston earned his second assist of the game on the Maggio goal to make it 4-1 in favor of the Spits. At 5:03, Windsor native Sebastien Gervais scored his first OHL goal for the Spirit to cut the Spits lead back to two. At 10:28, overage forward Nick Wong was pulled down on a breakaway and was awarded a penalty shot. Wong made good on his attempt to make it 4-3. Just 23 seconds later, Calem Mangone tied the game for Saginaw on a perfect shot over the shoulder of Windsor goalie Matt Tovell. Windsor was quick to answer from rookie Ethan Miedema at 12:40 to make it 5-4. Klein netted his second goal of the game for the Spirit at 14:18 to tie it once again at 5-5. At 17:55, a dagger from Windsor defenseman Nathan Ribau, who's shot just trickled underneath Andrew Oke to put Windsor in a lead they would not relinquish. Dallas Stars prospect Wyatt Johnston added an empty net goal for a three-point night and Windsor took the game by a 7-5 score. The two teams have combined for 17 goals apiece through their first three head-to-head matchups this season.

The Spirit's next action will be after Christmas on Wednesday, Dec. 29 in Flint. The Spirit return to The Dow Event Center on Thursday, Dec. 30 to play the Soo Greyhounds at 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18's game against the Flint Firebirds has been postponed due to COVID-19 Protocols effecting the Flint Firebirds. That game will be rescheduled for a later date.

For tickets to any Saginaw Spirit home game fans can call (989) 497-7747, visit saginawspirit.com, or by visiting the Saginaw Spirit Store at 5789 State Street, Saginaw, MI.

Fans with any questions or concerns about fan protocols may call the Spirit at (989) 497-7747 or email info@saginawspirit.com.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2021


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