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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Fall to Sting in Front of 3,518 Fans at the Dow Event Center

September 22, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw Spirit vs. the Sarnia Sting
Saginaw Spirit vs. the Sarnia Sting
(Saginaw Spirit)

Saginaw, Michigan - The return of multiple players from various NHL training camps and a newly announced captain for the Saginaw Spirit was hindered Saturday by an opening period setback.

Saginaw, coming off a decisive home win over Sault Ste. Marie this past Wednesday to start the season, allowed three unanswered goals to the Sarnia Sting by the first intermission, before falling 6-2 in front of 3,518 fans at the Dow Event Center.

It is the first regulation loss of 2018 for the Spirit since the Canadian Hockey League ranked them No. 8 out of 60 teams eligible in its preseason Top 10 list.

Cameron Lamour, getting the start in goal after recording 23 saves against the Greyhounds, was pulled to start the second frame in favor of Ivan Prosvetov, one of the four Spirit players to make their respected debuts this season. A fourth-round pick in this year's NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes, Prosvetov stopped 11 of 13 shots in two periods worth of work.

With the parting farewell of long-time standout Keaton Middleton to the San Jose Sharks' AHL affiliate, forward Damien Giroux returned from the Minnesota Wild to acquire the captain role, getting the start at center alongside New York Islanders draft picks Bode Wilde and Blade Jenkins.

First-year forward Cole Perfetti was also awarded a spot in the first line after notching back-to-back goals against the Soo. The native of Whitby, Ontario was held scoreless in his second OHL game.

Sarnia scored twice in less than a two-minute span after the midway point of the first period, starting with a wrap-around effort to the bottom right corner by Jamieson Rees at the 9:16 mark..

Saginaw's defensive efforts improved in the second, allowing just four shots on goal in comparison to 11 in the opening 20 minutes. The Spirit also killed a slashing penalty issued to left winger Danny Katic for the Sting's one-and-only power play opportunity.

Sarnia goalie Aidan Hughes had 20 saves before left winger Albert Michnac ended the Spirit's scoring drought 25 seconds into the third. Michnac, who led Saginaw with three points earlier this week, grabs his second goal of the year.

The Sting climbed back to a three-goal lead four minutes later as Jacob Perrault scored his second of the game. The forward's first goal came with 7:42 remaining in the opening period on a one-timer inside the left face-off circle for the early 2-0 advantage.

From assists by Jenkins and right winger Jake Goldowski, fellow Saginaw forward Nicholas Porco grabbed his first goal of the season at the 12:17 mark of the third period to make it 4-2.

Unable to capitalize on three power play situations, the Spirit would allow two goals in the final six minutes of play, including an empty netter by Anthony Salinitri for his second of the game.

Saginaw outshot the Sting, 30-25, and won the face-off battle by winning 34/60 draws.

Applebee's three Stars of the Game:

1. Jacob Perrault (SAR) - 2G

2. Anthony Salinitri (SAR) - 2G

3. Nicholas Porco (SAG) - 1G, +1

Former Saginaw Gear great Dave Westner was honored during the pre-game ceremony, returning to the same arena where he led the 1977 team to the International Hockey League Turner Cup. Westner joined the Gears in 1975, scoring 79 points in his first season. Westner is retiring after serving 32 years as manager of the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena.

The Spirit return home next Saturday, Sept. 29, hosting the Guelph Storm, following their first road test against the Windsor Spitfires on Thursday, Sept. 27. For tickets, call (989) 497-7747, visit saginawspirit.com or by visiting the Saginaw Spirit Store at 5789 State Street, Saginaw, MI.

For tickets and more information:

Reserve your seat at The Dow Event Center by calling (989) 497-7747 or visit www.saginawspirit.com for more information. YOUR Region. YOUR team. YOU'RE invited.

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Saginaw Spirit vs. the Sarnia Sting
Saginaw Spirit vs. the Sarnia Sting
   



Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 22, 2018


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