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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Dominate Otters in 5-1 Home Victory

February 6, 2022 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, Mich. - The Saginaw Spirit (16-23-1-0) snapped a six-game slide on home ice Sunday evening with a dominant 5-1 win over the Erie Otters (15-19-1-2) in front of 2,686 fans at The Dow Event Center.

The Spirit were looking to split a home set against the Otters, the team they came into the game chasing for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Otters were searching for their fifth win in a row, which hadn't been done since the 2016-17 season.

Saginaw opened the scoring at 13:04 of the opening period when the line of Dalton Duhart, Josh Bloom, and Justin O'Donnell were rewarded for their strong play during the period. The puck came to Dalton Duhart in the right circle of the Erie zone, his shot toward the goal was deflected by O'Donnell past Erie goalie Marshall Nicholls to give the Spirit the lead. The goal was O'Donnell's second since joining the Spirit, both coming against the Otters. The Spirit dominated zone time and faceoffs in the opening frame, equating to a 11-5 shot advantage. Strong play from Nicholls in goal kept the Otters in the game.

After having less than stellar second periods in back-to-back games, the Spirit set out to keep the momentum in the middle stanza. 1:47 in, Dean Loukus scored on a shot that stuck in the top of the net. Loukus was fed by Sebastien Gervais and Matyas Sapovaliv for his 12th goal of the season. With Tristan Lennox holding the fort for Saginaw, the Spirit continued to build on their lead in the second. Loukus won a board battle against two Otters, while Gervais made a quick pass to Josh Bloom, who roofed his 19th of the season at 16:59. The Spirit led 3-0 going into the final period.

The Otters turned up the intensity in the third period, and final broke through on a 4-on-3 power play goal from Vancouver Canucks prospect Connor Lockhart. Daniel D'Amato and Christian Kyrou assisted on Lockhart's 16th of the season, seven of which have come against Saginaw. The Spirit were determined to end their fortunes at home, and when Dalton Duhart was out of the box late in the third, he set up Dean Loukus for his second goal of the game and 13th of the season. Evan Klein added his sixth goal of the season in the final minute and the Spirit went on to beat the Otters, 5-1.

Next for the Spirit is the London Knights on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at The Dow Event Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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 6321 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.

Check out the Saginaw Spirit Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2022


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