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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Fall to Colts 5-2

December 8, 2022 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Barrie, Ont. - The Saginaw Spirit (18-8-2-0) were defeated by the Barrie Colts (12-9-2-1) by a final score of 5-2 Thursday, December 8, at Sadlon Arena in Barrie, Ontario.

In the first game against his former team, Hunter Haight earned a goal and an assist. New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox made 21 saves on 25 shots for Saginaw, and Anson Thorton stopped 45 of 47 for Barrie.

Barrie struck first at 8:23 of the opening period. Beau Jelsma passed to Declan McDonnell who was to the right side of Lennox. From there, McDonnell passed down to a waiting Jacob Frasca, who scored his ninth goal of the season.

The Spirit answered back and tied the game just five minutes later. 15-year-old Michael Misa received the puck in the neutral zone from ex Colt Hunter Haight. The forward then skated into the offensive zone where he sent a snapshot under the blocker of Thornton for his 16th goal of the season. Mitchell Smith earned an assist on the play.

The Colts regained the lead at 16:55. After Saginaw took a delayed penalty, Jacob Frasca passed to Declan McDonnell who used the opportunity to rush into the zone and beat Lennox past the glove for his second goal of the season. Beau Jelsma earned his second assist of the game on the play.

Barrie gained a five-on-three chance after Zayne Parekh committed a delay of game penalty at 18:36 and Mitchell Smith took a boarding call at 19:28 in the first period. The penalties transferred over into the next period after no goals were scored in the first.

The first period ended with the Colts up 2-1 despite an 11-8 Sagniaw shooting advantage.

The second period opened with a powerplay goal from Barrie just 14 seconds in. Beau Akey found Connor Punnett on the left wing and the defensemen ripped a shot that Lennox stopped. Ethan Cardwell grabbed the rebound and potted his 13th goal of the season.

The Colts scored again on the powerplay at 1:20 in the middle period. Evan Vierling started the play by passing to behind the net where Jacob Frasca was waiting. Frasca gave Beau Jelsma the puck out front where he beat Lennox and earned his 10th goal of the season.

Saginaw got a man-advantage after Beau Akey was called for holding at 12:46 in the second frame, but the Colts emerged unscathed.

The Spirit got a five-on three chance and Grayson Tiller received a delay of game penalty at 14:53 and Declan McDonnell was called for slashing at 15:58 in the second period. Saginaw capitalized on the first penalty with a goal at 16:50. Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov had the puck behind the net when he passed to Dean Loukus in front. Minnesota Wild prospect Hunter Haight got the puck from Loukus and found the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season and his second point of the game.

With 40 minutes played, Barrie led 4-2 but the Spirit led shots, 27-17.

Saginaw started the third period on the penalty kill after Zayne Parekh was called for hooking at 4:48. The Spirit held Barrie's attacks off to keep them off the board.

With time running out, Saginaw pulled Lennox to get an extra skater with four minutes left in the final frame. Barrie found an empty net goal shortly after, as Evan Vierling scored off a Jacob Frasca assist.

Barrie took the 5-2 win despite a 47-26 Saginaw shot advantage. The Spirit fall to 18-8-2-0 with the loss.

Saginaw's next game is Friday, December 9, as they take on the Sudbury Wolves at Sudbury Community Arena. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Saginaw Spirit Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2022


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