January 28, 2023 – Ontario Hockey League (OHL) – Saginaw Spirit News Release
Saginaw, Mich. – The Saginaw Spirit (24-16-2-0) look to end a six-game losing streak as they host their division rival the Sarnia Sting (21-14-4-2) Saturday, January 28, at the Dow Event Center.
Tonight’s Game:
Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m.
Tonight is the 15th annual Shocks and Saves Night in conjunction with the Pulse 3 Endowment and Central Michigan University. A charity game that pits local medical professionals against Red Wings alumni Jiri Fischer, Derian Hatcher, and many more will begin at 4pm. Proceeds going towards heart health awareness and adding AED’s to the community. Tickets to the 4pm Shocks and Saves charity game can be purchased at the Dow Event Center box office and will also serve as admission to the Spirit game at 7:05pm.
Tickets:
Ticketmaster
Phone: (989) 497-7747
In-Person: Saginaw Spirit Store (6321 State St.), Dow Event Center Box Office
Broadcast:
Television: CHL TV, CHL App, OHL Action Pak Ch. 467
Radio: 100.5 FM WSGW, WSGW.com
Last Time:
The Spirit fell 4-2 to the Flint Firebirds Saturday, January 21, at the Dort Financial Center. Dean Loukus earned two assists and Matyas Sapovaliv netted a goal and an assist in the loss. Saginaw still holds a 4-2 lead in the I75 Divide Cup series presented by Coors Light.
The Sting won 5-2 over the Soo Greyhounds Friday, January 27, at the GFL Memorial
Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Cooper Way scored two goals and Benjamin Gaudreau made 30 saves on 32 shots in the win. Sting alternate captain Nolan Burke paved the way with a goal and two assists. He now has eight points (4G, 4A) in his last three games.
This Season:
Saginaw and Sarnia have played four of the six scheduled meetings this season so far, with the Spirit victorious three times. On November 25, the Spirit won 4-1 in Sarnia with Zayne Parekh scoring the game winner. Michael Misa added a goal and an assist, and goaltender Andrew Oke stopped 26 of 27 Sting shots.
The most recent contest saw the Sting take their first game of the series, 6-3 in Saginaw. Sasha Pastujov scored two goals and two assists, and Ty Voit scored the game winner for Sarnia. Vegas Golden Knights prospect Matyas Sapovaliv scored a goal and two assists, and Hunter Haight added a pair of helpers for the Spirit.
Players to Watch:
Dean Loukus has racked up six points if four contests against Sarnia, including a four-point game on October 7. He also has a five game point-streak, scoring three goals and five assists for eight points in that span. Matyas Sapovaliv has nine points (4G, 5A) in four games against the Sting. 2022 OHL first overall pick Michael Misa leads the Spirit with 20 goals and 46 points. Misa and Loukus share the lead for Saginaw in assists with 26. New York Islanders prospect Tristan Lennox’s 3.17 goals against average (GAA) and .884 save percentage (SV%) are the best for his club.
Ty Voit leads the OHL in points (66), assists (54), and powerplay assists (24). Nolan Burke has the most goals for Sarnia (28) and is tied for third in the OHL with 13 powerplay goals. 2023 IIHF World Juniors gold medalist Benjamin Gaudreau’s 3.40 GAA and .873 SV% are the best for his club.
Saginaw has three (3) players drafted into the National Hockey League (NHL), including Matyas Sapovaliv (Vegas), Tristan Lennox (New York Islanders), and Hunter Haight (Minnesota).
Sarnia is tied with North Bay for the most players drafted into the NHL with nine (9). The Sting’s drafted players are Sandis Vilmanis (Florida), Sasha Pastujov (Anaheim), Luca DelBelBelluz (Columbus), Nolan Burke (Nashville, FA), Ty Voit (Toronto), Ryan Mast (Boston), Christian Kyrou (Dallas), Ethan Del Mastro (Chicago), and Benjamin Gaudreau (San Jose).
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