
Sting Goaltending Stumps Spirit Saturday
Published on November 6, 2021 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Saginaw Spirit News Release
Saginaw, MI - The Saginaw Spirit skated to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Sarnia Sting on Saturday in front of 3,552 at The Dow Event Center in Saginaw, Michigan.
San Jose Sharks prospect Ben Gaudreau made 36 saves for the Sting to earn first star honors. Wolverine Lake, Michigan native Max Namestnikov supplied the Sting with the game-winning in the second period. Sarnia also received multi-point efforts from Nolan Dann (1g-1a-2pts) and Nolan Burke (1g-1a-2pts) in the effort.
The Spirit received a 4:00 power play just 1:02 into the game when Cam Supryka was called for high sticking. While Saginaw put forth many opportunities to score first, it was the Sting who would seize momentum from killing the elongated penalty and score a power play goal of their own. The Nolan Dann goal snapped an 0-for-25 streak for the Sting on the man advantage to start the season.
At 9:22 of the first, Ryan Pryce was whistled for boarding and the Spirit would make the most of this chance. Buffalo Sabres prospect Josh Bloom tipped a Mitchell Smith shot past Gaudreau at 11:00 of the first to tie the game, 1-1.
Just 1:06 later, Nolan Burke accepted a pass from Nolan Dann and beat Tristan Lennox on a breakway to give Sarnia the 2-1 lead heading into the break.
The second frame was dominated by the Spirit, outshooting Sarnia 15-4, but nothing found its way past Gaudreau. It was 2020 first round pick of the Sting, Max Namestnikov who skated in and scored his first OHL goal at 8:57. Sarnia led 2-1 after 40 minutes.
The third period saw more of the same. More Saginaw Spirit chances, more Ben Gaudreau saves. The 6-foot-2, 172-pound netminder stopped nearly everything put his way this evening. Finally, Calem Mangone scored his fourth goal of the season on a rebound from in front of the net. Mangone's second goal in as many games gave the Spirit life and a belief that they could beat Gaudreau. As time wound down, the Spirit were recipients of a power play for a face-off violation at 17:02. With Lennox pulled for an extra skater, it was Gaudreau and the Sarnia defense that again stood tall. The Spirit outshot Sarnia 27-7 in the final two periods, but were unable to obtain the equalizer.
The defeat to the Sting this evening snaps the club's franchise-long nine-game winning streak against the Sting dating back to the 2018-19 season.
Saginaw will return to the ice Friday, Nov. 12 in Flint taking on the Flint Firebirds. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Spirit return home the next night to face the Sarnia Sting at 7:05 p.m. It's Military Appreciation Night presented by Bay City Elks Lodge 88.
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.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 6, 2021
- Spitfires Comeback and Win 3-2 over Erie in OT - Windsor Spitfires
- Sting Goaltending Stumps Spirit Saturday - Saginaw Spirit
- Firebirds Take Down Previously Undefeated Knights Saturday Night in Flint - Flint Firebirds
- Rangers Stumble against Attack - Kitchener Rangers
- Clutch Late Goals Lift Windsor to OT Win; Otters Pick up Road Point - Erie Otters
- Liam Van Loon Leads Bulldogs to Comeback Victory - Brantford Bulldogs
- Game Preview: Guelph Storm at Soo Greyhounds - Guelph Storm
- Firebirds Welcome Undefeated London Knights for Military Appreciation Night - Flint Firebirds
- Spirit, Sting Meet on First Responders Night at the Dow - Saginaw Spirit
- Wright and Edmonds Score Twice, But North Bay Edges Kingston 5-4 - Kingston Frontenacs
- Troops Overcome Kingston - North Bay Battalion
- Red-Hot Powerplay Lifts 67's over Petes - Ottawa 67's
- Generals Pick up Single Point against Colts - Oshawa Generals
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