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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Offense Smothered by Storm

December 4, 2021 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, MI - The Saginaw Spirit welcomed the Guelph Storm to The Dow Event Center Saturday night for the first time this season. In a hard-fought game, the Spirit came out on the losing end of a 2-1 score. Top prospect for the 2022 NHL Draft, Pavel Mintyukov provided the only offense the Spirit would receive when he scored a power play goal in the first period. New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox turned in a 24-save performance in goal for Saginaw.

With both teams coming off of a loss in their previous outing, it was the Storm who would seize the early scoring opportunities. Guelph was outshooting the Spirit 7-1 at one point in the opening 10 minutes, but the Spirit's goaltender Tristan Lennox shut the door. This allowed the Spirit to strike first when they were given a five-on-three man advantage late in the first period. Mintyukov was set up on a pass from the side of the net by Calumet, Michigan native Dean Loukus, who was in his first game back from a two-game suspension. Rookie Calem Mangone also drew an assist on the Mintyukov tally. The Spirit were outshot 11-7 in the opening frame, but led thanks to that power play goal by a 1-0 margin.

The middle frame continued to play tight, as not much room was provided to either team this evening and scoring chances were at a premium. A turnover in the neutral zone led to a Guelph odd-man rush, with Matthew Papis scoring on a one-timer off a pass from Marko Sikic to tie the game at 1-1. Late in the period, Anaheim Ducks prospect Sasha Pastujov made a skillful play behind the Saginaw net to jump out of the way of a hit, and pass out front to a wide-open Matthew Poitras. His high shot beat Lennox over the blocker hand to give the Storm their first lead of the game. The Storm took their lead to the third period.

The third period was a stellar defensive effort from the Storm, as they kept the Spirit off the shot clock for nearly half of the period. Saginaw did try to mount one final push with their net empty, but Dean Loukus just missed the net on a point-blank chance in the dying seconds. The Storm held on for a 2-1 win over the Spirit to improve to 14-7-1-1. The Spirit defeat brings them to 10-9-1-0, and 4-6-0-0 at The Dow Event Center this season.

The Spirit play their next four games away from home, but return to The Dow Event Center on Fri. Dec. 17 against the Windsor Spitfires and host the Flint Firebirds on the 18th for Teddy Bear Toss Night presented by the Jayden Lamb Memorial Foundation. For tickets, log on to www.saginawspirit.com/single.

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.

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