OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Ground Spitfires in Wild 6-5 Victory

Published on November 27, 2021 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Windsor, ON - The Saginaw Spirit returned to the win column Friday night in Windsor with a wild 6-5 victory over the Spitfires. Import defenseman Pavel Mintyukov scored a goal and an assist, while Buffalo Sabres prospect Josh Bloom scored his fifth shorthanded goal of the season, which also proved to be game-winning goal. Matthew Maggio scored a goal and two assists to lead the way for the Spitfires.

Saginaw's captain Cam Baber opened to scoring at 3:23 when received a perfect pass from T-Bone Codd at the side of net. Pavel Mintyukov also drew an assist on the Spirit opening goal. The Spitfires answered on the power play at 10:07 with a Kyle McDonald goal, taking a goal-mouth pass from Detroit Red Wings prospect Pasquale Zito. Just 1:02 later, the Spits grabbed the lead on a goal from Ethan Martin for his first in the OHL. Windsor held a 2-1 lead into the first intermission break.

It only took 5:47 for the Spirit to tie the game at 2-2. With a Spits player shaken-up behind the Windsor net, Saginaw took possession of the puck and set up a goal for Matyas Sapovaliv. Saginaw went back out front less than two minutes later courtesy of Evan Klein. Calem Mangone made a spinning, behind-the-back pass right onto the stick of Klein, who deflected the puck past Kyle Downey. At 13:08, Saginaw got a good bounce as Mitchell Smith's backhand toward the net changed directions and beat Downey up high. Downey was pulled in favor of Matt Tovell after the Smith goal put Saginaw up 4-2. The Spirit continued to pour it on as Pavel Mintyukov scored on a partial breakaway 14:59. While on the penalty kill later in the period, Josh Bloom scored his fifth shorthanded goal of the year to give Saginaw a 6-2 lead. Saginaw's five goals in the second period tied them for the most goals in a single period this season.

The Spits battled back in the third period, scoring three goals in a matter of 3:29 to make it 6-5 with a little less than 13:00 minutes still to play. Saginaw clamped down defensively, and received strong play in goal from Andrew Oke, who stopped 25 of 30 shots. With 2:16 to go, Dean Loukus was given a 5:00 penalty for slashing, putting the Spits on the power play for the remainder of the game. Again, it was Oke and the Spirit who shut the door to hold on to the 6-5 victory.

The Spirit return to The Dow Event Center Saturday, Nov. 27 facing the Windsor Spitfires for 'Light the Night' supporting Leukemia and Lymphoma awareness. For tickets, visit www.saginawspirit.com

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.

Check out the Saginaw Spirit Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2021


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