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OHL Saginaw Spirit

Spirit to Honor Dave Westner Prior to Game on Saturday

September 21, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release


Saginaw, Michigan - On Saturday night, the Saginaw Spirit will have a special guest at The Dow Event Center. Former Gear great Dave Westner will return to the rink where he hoisted the Turner Cup over his head in 1977 when the Gears defeated the Toledo Goaldiggers in seven games. After 40 years in the Saginaw hockey community, and 32 as manager of the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena, Dave Westner is retiring.

Westner's accomplished hockey career began at Cornell University, where the Big Red went 29-0 en route to a National Championship in 1970. At a time when the National Hockey League only had 12 teams and limited roster spots, Westner began his pro hockey career in Seattle, where he accomplished back-to-back 50-point seasons in 1973-74 and 1974-75. Westner joined the Saginaw Gears prior to the 1975-76 season, and quickly found chemistry with his new teammates, scoring 79 points in his first season with Gears. Along with fellow right-winger Dennis Desrosiers, the two became one of the best one-two scoring combos in the IHL.

"Westy was just a solid player," remembers Desrosiers, who currently is the color commentator on Spirit radio broadcasts. "He played well in all aspects of the game, and if you tried to push him around, he was a lefty, so he might just surprise you with a bonk on the nose."

While Desrosiers was known for his intimidating play, he showed his soft side when talking about Westner's impact on the Saginaw hockey community.

"What Westy has done to grow the game in Saginaw from the grassroots is so important to our community. He was always a great teammate, and even after our careers were over, I am proud to call him a friend."

Spirit Ownership Partner and Coach of the '07 Meijer Jr. Spirit AAA Brandon Bordeaux has witnessed first-hand the hard work that Westner has put in over the years.

"I want to thank Dave for his many years of dedication to the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena and its programs. Westy has a tremendous rapport with players, coaches, parents, and those associated with hockey in our community. He will always be a mentor and a great friend."

After five seasons with the Gears, Westner moved into the business world, owning and managing Hamilton Street Pub from 1980-1984. Westner returned to hockey for the 1984-85 season as a player / coach for the Flint Generals. He would move with the team to Saginaw before retiring from hockey in 1986.

Westner immediately transitioned into the role of Manager at the Saginaw Bay Ice Arena, and has been in that role for the past 32 years.

As Westner takes his final curtain call Saturday night, you can continue to support youth hockey in Saginaw by purchasing a $10 fundraiser ticket to the Spirit game Saturday, September 22nd at The Dow Event Center. $5 will be donated back to the Greater Saginaw Amateur Hockey Association. To purchase these fundraiser tickets, please visit https://www.saginawspirit.net/groupsales/ Group ID: GSAHA Password: Spirit18

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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