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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit Select Valentin Zhugin in 2023 CHL Import Draft

July 5, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, Mich. - With the 40th overall pick in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, the Saginaw Spirit selected left winger Valentin Zhugin (VAL-en-TEEN ZOO-gin) Wednesday afternoon.

Originally from Magnitogorsk, Russia, Zhugin spent the last two seasons with the Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In the 2022-2023 campaign, Zhugin picked up 34 points (17G, 17A) in 60 games with the Storm.

"Zhugin is a player we know extremely well after playing against him during his two years in Guelph," said Spirit GM Dave Drinkill. "He is a player we have always liked - a goal scorer with skill and speed - fitting right into the Spirit brand of hockey."

Listed at 5'11" and 178lbs, the left-handed forward was originally selected by Guelph with the 54th overall pick of the 2021 CHL Import Draft. Zhugin has skated in 121 games of OHL action with the Storm, scoring 34 goals and 28 assists for 62 points.

"It is always tough for a player to come into the OHL, but Valentin already has the advantage of two seasons under his belt," said Drinkill. "We are looking forward to getting started with him and can't wait to see him in a Spirit jersey in a few months."

The Spirit return to action with their season opener in Kitchener on September 29th, and return to the Dow Event Center for their home opener on September 30th against the Sarnia Sting. Single game tickets will go on sale August 14th. For the most up-to-date information on the Spirit, follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from July 5, 2023


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