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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Remain in Third Despite Loss to Knights, Resume Action in Sold Out Final Regular Season Home

March 13, 2009 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Spirit Remain in Third Despite Loss to Knights, Resume Action in Sold Out Final Regular Season Home Game Saturday

(London, Ontario) The Spirit suffered a 3-0 loss to the London Knights Friday night, but remained in third place in the OHL Western Conference with 79 points and a record of 36-24-3-4. The loss also snaps a four game Spirit win stream. Goalie Edward Pasquale turned aside a staggering 40 saves in the effort, earning the games third star.

The Spirit enter Saturday in third place in the OHL Western Conference with 79 points and one game remaining in the regular season. They host the Sarnia Sting in a sold-out contest at 7:11 PM tomorrow night. The Plymouth Whalers and Guelph Storm both won Friday, moving their point totals to 77. The two teams round out their season Sunday, with the Whalers hosting the Sarnia Sting and the Storm visiting the Erie Otters. The Spirit need one more point to clinch the third seed and home ice advantage.

The two teams battled through the first half of the game, but the Knights took the edge in the second period with a 1-0 lead. Defenseman Matt Clarke tallied the goal at the 14:10 mark courtesy assists from winger Zac Rinaldo (NHL PHILADELPHIA FLYERS) and center Phil Varone. Clarke notched his second goal of the night at 10:16 in the third period, moving the score to 2-0 London. Rinaldo and winger Daniel Erlich assisted on the goal.

The Spirit found themselves down 2-0 with two minutes remaining in the second period and pulled goalie Edward Pasquale while on the power play for a two man advantage. Despite the concerted attack, London's Clarke battled through and notched an empty net/short handed goal to seal the 3-0 win. Defenseman John Carlson assisted on Clarke's hat trick clinching goal.

Spirit netminder Edward Pasquale posted 40 saves on 42 shots, while Knights goalie Trevor Cann (NHL COLARDAO AVALANCHE) earned 32 saves on 32 shots for the shutout.

Applebees Neighborhood Bar and Grill Three Stars of the Game:

1. Matt Clarke (LND) 2. Trevor Cann (LND) 3. Edward Pasquale (SAG)

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