OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Comeback Falls Short in 5-4 Loss to IceDogs; Over $30,000 Raised for Charity

Published on January 30, 2011 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


The Saginaw Spirit fell 5-4 to the Niagara IceDogs Saturday night at a sold out Dow Event Center of Saginaw, pushing within one goal late in the game. The Spirit lead the OHL Western Conference with 68 points and a record of 32-13-3-1, and have a four point lead over the Owen Sound Attack in the conference standings and a ten point lead over the Windsor Spitfires and Plymouth Whalers in the OHL West Division standings.

The night also saw the Spirit, the MCVI Foundation and the Jiri Fischer Healthy Hope Foundation raise over $30,000 for the healthy heart cause in the fourth annual Shocks and Saves charity event, presented by Biotronik ‘Excellence for Life' with support from MMR and the Zoll Medical Corporation. The annual event, which pits local doctors and paramedics as well as former Detroit Red Wing greats led by Jiri Fischer, has raised to date over $130,000 to help create awareness for the causes and risks associated with heart diseases and the placement of AED's in schools, community centers and other non-profits.

On the ice for the Spirit matchup, the IceDogs took a two goal lead early in the contest. Winger Freddie Hamilton scored from center Ryan Strome :19 seconds in and center David Pacan notched a goal at 6:47 from center Andrew Agozzino and Hamilton. The Spirit quickly answered to tie up the game at two apiece later in the period. Winger Josh Shalla scored a power play goal at 13:06 from center Ivan Telegin and winger Jordan Szwarz, and moments later at the 14:47 mark center John McFarland scored from Szwarz and winger Micky Sartoretto. The multitude of first period scoring concluded with the IceDogs securing the 3-2 lead with center Alex Friesen scoring a power play goal from Strome and Hamilton at 17:49.

Niagara retook their two goal lead at 8:14 in the second period, after winger Darren Archibald scored from defenseman Simon Gronvaldt. Saginaw's Szwarz proved the answer seconds later, with the Spirit captain scoring his twentieth of the season courtesy a short handed goal that was assisted by center Vincent Trocheck and defenseman Ben Chiarot. The IceDogs would respond with a goal at 16:49 in the frame, tallied by Hamilton for his second on the night with the assists going to Strome and defenseman Tim Billingsley. The IceDogs led by a score of 5-3 after two periods of play.

The Spirit would mount a comeback attempt late in the third, reducing the deficit to a single goal after rookie center Justin Kea notched his third of the season at the 17:09 mark from Telegin and defenseman Ryan O'Connor. The Spirit continued to attack, pulling their goaltending in the final seconds, but despite the effort the team was unable to tie up the contest. The Niagara IceDogs took home the win and the two points following a 5-4 victory.

Spirit netminder Mavric Parks notched 18 saves on 22 shots in 47:24 minutes, while Tadeas Galansky posted 8 saves on 9 shots in 11:46 minutes. IceDogs netminder Mark Visentin earned 29 saves on 33 shots.

For a complete game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com

Get your tickets! The Saginaw Spirit open February on the road, and fans can catch the action live on FM Talk and Sports WSGW 100.5 with Leigh Cunningham and Dennis Desrosiers. While away the teams faces the Barrie Colts Thursday February 3 at 7:30 PM, the Sudbury Wolves Friday, February 4 at 7:30 PM and the Owen Sound Attack Sunday February 6 at 2:00 PM.

The team returns home for the annual PRIDE in Saginaw Inc. ICE BLAST Festival, taking place on Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12. 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.

Check out the Saginaw Spirit Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2011


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