Zaborsky Joins the Wolf Pack – Slovakian Native Signs with AHL

Saginaw Spirit forward Tomas Zaborsky has signed with the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack, the official AHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s New York Rangers.  Details of the signing were not disclosed; Zaborsky left Saginaw to play with the Wolf Pack at the conclusion of the 2007 post season.

Zaborsky, who was selected by the New York Rangers in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, came to the Spirit via the 2006 CHL Import Draft.  The 1987-born Trencin, Slovakia native wrapped up his second OHL season, compiling an OHL regular season career record of 50 goals and 63 assists, 31 goals and 39 assists during the 2007-2008 regular season.  Zaborsky tallied 3 goals and 3 assists in 10 post-season games, including 2 goals and 1 assist in 4 games during the 2008 post-season.

"Tomas had an outstanding year and was third in team scoring," stated Spirit General Manager Don Edwards, "He was also one of our best forwards in the post-season.  The Spirit family wish this talented young man the best of luck in his pro career."

For a more information, please visit theahl.com or hartfordwolfpack.com, the official websites of the AHL and the Hartford Wolf Pack.

The Saginaw Spirit – ’Here Today, NHL Tomorrow!"

End of Season Merchandise Sale

This Saturday, April 5, the Saginaw Spirit will be holding an end of season sale at the Spirit Store, 5789 State Street in Saginaw. All merchandise, excluding jerseys, will be 15% off, with select items being up to 75% off!

Additional discounts do not apply.

The sale will run from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Saginaw Spirit Merchandise Store, 5789 State Street in Saginaw.

For more information, please contact the Spirit at 989-497-7747

Jarram Moves Up to AHL’s Americans

Spirit forward David Jarram has signed a contract with the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans, the official AHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers.  Details of the signing were not disclosed.

Jarram arrived in Saginaw via a January 2008 trade with the Oshawa Generals.  The 1987-born native of Kitchener, Ontario posted 14 goals and 15 assists in his five year OHL career that saw stops in Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa, London, Oshawa and Saginaw.  He tallied 11 goals and 7 assists during the 2007-2008 season, 5 goals and 2 assists in 29 games with the Spirit.  Jarram tallied a hat trick at the beginning of the season while with the Generals, on October 12th, 2007 against the Erie Otters.

"The Saginaw Spirit want to win OHL Championships, but just as importantly, this organization strives to develop its players into future NHL’ers," stated Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin, "The fact that he signed a pro contract immediately following the end of our season is a testament to the fact that the OHL is the top developmental program for the NHL.  We are thrilled for David and wish him the best of luck - the entire Spirit family will be rooting for his continued success as he works toward the day when he skates with the NHL’s Florida Panthers."

For a more information, please visit theahl.com or amerks.com, the official websites of the AHL and the Rochester Americans.

The Saginaw Spirit – ’Here Today, NHL Tomorrow!"

Spirit Cap off Season with 4-2 Loss

The Saginaw Spirit lost 4-2 to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds tonight, ending a 2007-2008 season that saw a regular season record of 33-25-8-2 with 76 points and a post season record of 0-4-0-0.  Chris Chappell and Nick Crawford notched goals for Saginaw in the effort.

Saginaw’s Chris Chappell gave the Spirit a 1-0 lead early in the game with a goal at the 10:09 mark of the first.  Defenseman Joe Underwood and goalie Edward Pasquale assisted on the goal.  The Greyhounds would be quick to respond, scoring two goals to give themselves a 2-1 lead exiting the period.  Winger Anthony Peluso notched a goal at 14:03 in the period, assisted by center Matt Caria and winger Brandon Biggers.  Biggers followed with a goal at the 15:45 mark, assisted by defenseman Michael Quesnele.  The first period ended 2-1 Greyhounds.

Both teams traded goals in the second period.  Spirit defenseman Nick Crawford fired one in from the blue line at the 11:49 mark, assisted by center Ryan McDonough and center Jack Combs.  The Greyhounds would answer with a goal courtesy winger Wayne Simmonds (LA) at 18:56 in the second.  Quesnele and Caria assisted on the goal.

The two teams would battle into the third period and till the final seconds.  The Spirit pulled goalie Edward Pasquale in the final seconds for an extra attacker but were unable to tie up the contest when Greyhounds center Dustin Jeffrey (PIT) scored an empty net goal at the 19:55 mark.  The game ended 4-2 Greyhounds.

Spirit goalie Edward Pasquale tallied 28 saves on 31 shots in the effort, giving him the second star of the game.  Greyhounds goalie Kyle Gajewski earned the first star of the game with 32 saves on 34 shots.

For a complete game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com

Spirit Suffer 6-2 Loss to Greyhounds

The Spirit returned to action Wednesday night in their first playoff home game of the 2008 post season.  The Greyhounds beat the Spirit 6-2 in the contest, giving them a three game lead in the best-of-seven series.  The two team’s face-off again tomorrow night at TheDow Event Center in Saginaw, with a 7:11 PM start time.

The Greyhounds took a three goal lead in the first period, with the game’s scoring being kicked off by center Matt Caria at the 1:41 mark.  Center Dustin Jeffrey (PIT) and defenseman Josh Godfrey (WSH) assisted on the power play goal.  Winger James Livingston moved the score to 2-0 with a goal at 11:45 in the first, assisted by winger Brandon MacLean and defenseman Tyler Cuthbert.  D-man Godfrey gave the Greyhounds a 3-0 lead exiting the first period with a goal at the 17:50 mark, assisted by defenseman Cameron Odam and winger Jacob Lalonde.

The second period would see two more goals from the Greyhounds and a responding Spirit goal.  Greyhounds winger Wayne Simmonds (LA) tallied a goal at 2:16 in the second, taking the score to 4-0.  MacLean and defenseman Andrew Campbell assisted on the goal, resulting in Spirit goalie Edward Pasquale coming in for Ryan Daniels.  Sault Ste. Marie’s Livingston would notch his second of the night, courtesy an assist from Caria and defenseman Michael Quesnele, at the 12:46 mark.  Saginaw winger Tomas Zaborsky (NYR) would respond for Saginaw, scoring the team’s first goal of the game at 18:35 in the second.  Defensemen T.J. Brodie and Garrett Sinfield assisted on the power play goal. 

Zaborsky followed with another goal in the third period, this one coming at the 12:52 mark courtesy assists from center Ryan McDonough and Brodie.  Sault Ste. Marie would hinder Saginaw’s late scoring drive moments later courtesy a goal from winger Anthony Peluso at 14:29 in the third.  The game ended 6-2 Greyhounds.

Spirit goalie Ryan Daniels (OTT) posted 12 saves on 16 shots in 22:16 minutes of action.  Spirit goalie Edward Pasquale tallied 13 saves on 15 shots in 37:44 minutes of action.  Greyhounds netminder Kyle Gajewski notched 29 saves on 31 shots.

For a complete game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com

The Spirit host game 4 of the series on Thursday, March 27, at 7:11 PM and will matchup against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Students who show their school ID will get a to the game, courtesy Meijer!  Students can visit the Saginaw Spirit Merchandise Store, 5789 State Street in Saginaw, or TheDow Event Center Box Office to get their ticket!

In addition, the Spirit and TheDow Event Center are pleased to announce beer and concession specials for Thursday night.  TheDow will be selling 22 oz draft beers for $2.50 each – regularly priced at $5.00 each!  Popcorn, medium soft drinks and king size candy bars will be sold for $1.00 each, plus fans can receive a special $1.00 off coupon for a frozen drink at TheDow Event Center’s Frosty Coconut Bar!

Greyhounds Best Spirit 2-1; Saginaw to Host Next 2 Games

The Saginaw Spirit lost to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 2-1 Monday night.  Spirit assistant captain Chris Chappell tallied the lone Saginaw goal, earning him the third star of the game, while goalie Ryan Daniels faced 34 shots in net.  The two teams face off against each other this coming Wednesday and Thursday in Saginaw, with the Greyhounds entering the games up 2-0 in the series.

The Greyhounds went up early in the game with two consecutive goals in the first.  Center Dustin Jeffrey (PIT) tallied the game opening goal at the 4:30 mark, assisted by winger Wayne Simmonds (LA) and defenseman Michael Quesnele.  The Greyhounds moved the score to 2-0 when defenseman Josh Godfrey (WSH) blazed one in from the blue line.  Jeffrey and center Matt Caria assisted on the goal.  Saginaw winger Chris Chappell reduced the deficit to 2-1 with a goal at 19:58 in the first, assisted by winger Tomas Zaborsky (NYR) and center Tyler Murovich.

The Spirit battled through a scoreless second period and through the third period down 2-1.  Saginaw pulled goalie Ryan Daniels in the final seconds for an extra attacker, but the effort was for naught as the Spirit were unable to tie up the contest.  The Greyhounds won the game 2-0.

Spirit goalie Ryan Daniels (OTT) posted 32 saves on 34 shots, while Greyhounds goalie Kyle Gajewski notched 19 saves on 20 shots.

For a complete game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com

The Saginaw Spirit will be hosting the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for two playoff games this week – Wednesday, March 26th and Thursday, March 27th.  Both games will take place at 7:11 PM at TheDow Event Center in Saginaw.

The Saginaw Spirit and your local Meijer stores have partnered for an exciting promotion – students who show their school ID will get a ticket to one of two upcoming playoff games, courtesy Meijer!  Students can visit the Saginaw Spirit Merchandise Store, 5789 State Street in Saginaw, or TheDow Event Center Box Office to get their ticket!

The Spirit and TheDow Event Center are pleased to announce beer and concession specials for Wednesday and Thursday night’s game as well.  TheDow will be selling 22 oz draft beers for $2.50 each – regularly priced at $5.00 each!  Popcorn, medium soft drinks and king size candy bars will be sold for $1.00 each, plus fans can receive a special $1.00 off coupon for a frozen drink at TheDow Event Center’s Frosty Coconut Bar and a coupon for a free small bag of popcorn!

The Saginaw Hooters is partnering with the Spirit for a post-game party both Wednesday and Thursday, offering fans who show there ticket stub fifty cent wings and $7.00 pitchers of beer!  The first 100 fans to show their ticket stub will get $1.00 pitchers of Pepsi, $1.00 plate of wings and $1.00 bottle beer.  The Saginaw Hooters is located on Bay Road, north of Tittabawassee Road.

Game 3: Wednesday, March 26th in Saginaw; 7:11 PM
Game 4: Thursday, March 27th in Saginaw; 7:11 PM
Game 5: Saturday, March 29th in Sault Ste. Marie; 7:30 PM*
Game 6: Monday, March 31st in Saginaw; 7:11 PM*
Game 7: Tuesday, April 1st in Sault Ste. Marie; 7:00 PM*

*If necessary

Tickets are on-sale now at the Saginaw Spirit Merchandise Store, 5789 State Street in Saginaw, or at TheDow Event Box Office.  Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at 989-497-7747, via the internet at Saginawspirit.com or at any TicketMaster outlet.

Student ID Gets You in the Game! Meijer Sponsoring Wednesday and Thursday Night Student Special

The Saginaw Spirit and your local Meijer stores have partnered for an exciting promotion – students who show their school ID will get a ticket to one of two upcoming playoff games, courtesy Meijer!  Students can visit the Saginaw Spirit Merchandise Store, 5789 State Street in Saginaw, or TheDow Event Center Box Office to get their ticket!

The Saginaw Spirit will be hosting the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for two playoff games this week – Wednesday, March 26th and Thursday, March 27th.  Both games will take place at 7:11 PM at TheDow Event Center in Saginaw.

"We are really excited to be working with such a great partner like Meijer to provide this opportunity to our younger fans," stated Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin.

TheDow Celebrating Playoff Fever with Beer and Food Specials

The Spirit and TheDow Event Center are pleased to announce beer and concession specials for Wednesday and Thursday night’s game as well.  TheDow will be selling 22 oz draft beers for $2.50 each – regularly priced at $5.00 each!  Popcorn, medium soft drinks and king size candy bars will be sold for $1.00 each, plus fans can receive a special $1.00 off coupon for a frozen drink at TheDow Event Center’s Frosty Coconut Bar and a coupon for a free small bag of popcorn!

Hooters Hosting Post-Game Party

The Saginaw Hooters is partnering with the Spirit for a post-game party both Wednesday and Thursday, offering fans who show there ticket stub fifty cent wings and $7.00 pitchers of beer!  The first 100 fans to show their ticket stub will get $1.00 pitchers of Pepsi, $1.00 plate of wings and $1.00 bottle beer.  The Saginaw Hooters is located on Bay Road, north of Tittabawassee Road.

Spirit Playoff Schedule

Game 2: Monday, March 24th in Sault Ste. Marie; 7:00 PM
Game 3: Wednesday, March 26th in Saginaw; 7:11 PM
Game 4: Thursday, March 27th in Saginaw; 7:11 PM
Game 5: Saturday, March 29th in Sault Ste. Marie; 7:30 PM*
Game 6: Monday, March 31st in Saginaw; 7:11 PM*
Game 7: Tuesday, April 1st in Sault Ste. Marie; 7:00 PM*

*If necessary

Tickets are on-sale now at the Saginaw Spirit Merchandise Store, 5789 State Street in Saginaw, or at TheDow Event Box Office.  Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at 989-497-7747, via the internet at Saginawspirit.com or at any TicketMaster outlet.

Spirit’s loss is the Soo’s gain

There’s no way the Saginaw Spirit wanted to play the first two games of a best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series with the Soo in the Greyhounds’ home in the Steelback Centre.

But bad ice took that option away from the Spirit.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and Saginaw are separated by 400 kilometers -- approximately 250 miles -- and the Ontario Hockey League allows teams to trade home dates in that instance, starting in the arena of the higher seed unless the teams decide otherwise.

But if the two cities are 480 kilometers or more apart, OHL rules call for a 2-2-1-1-1 format.

A year ago Saginaw was seeded No. 4 and the Soo No. 5, and the organizations agreed to allow the Spirit to host the first two games in TheDow Event Center’s Wendler Arena. They split the first two, leading to the Greyhounds wining in six games.

The Soo, according to those involved in the negotiations, pushed to do it the same this year only with the Greyhounds getting the first two games.

But when the two sides couldn’t come up with an agreement, that left it up to league rules, meaning the Soo would have hosted Games 1 and 3 and 5 and 7, if necessary, while the Spirit had Games 2 and 4 for sure, and possibly Game 6.

The Soo beat Saginaw 5-4 Friday night in the Steelback Centre to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

When the event center staff couldn’t have the ice ready for Game 2 Saturday night, resulting in the postponement of the game, the entire series was re-shuffled, much to the consternation of Saginaw head coach Todd Watson.

’’To me, the game could have been played Sunday night, I don’t know why it wasn’t, there was no reason it couldn’t have been played here,’’ Watson said. ’’We were more than willing. Now they are making us go back to the Soo as if we did something. What did we do?

’’What did the Saginaw Spirit do to deserve playing back-to-back games in the Soo? I don’t understand that. How do you figure? How can anybody figure that the right thing to do is to put Saginaw on the road for the first two games. Who in their right mind could figure that. I just don’t get it.

’’So, TheDow has trouble. Now the Spirit are playing the first two in the Soo. Wow, that doesn’t fly with me. It doesn’t make much sense. But you know what, we’ll roll with it.’’

The Spirit practiced Sunday in Wendler Arena after the event center staff worked throughout the early morning hours to correct the problems that caused referees Mark Hicks and Sean Davis to call off Saturday night’s contest.

Watson liked what he saw from his players even if the ice wasn’t 100 percent.

’’It’s still a little rough, but we had a good practice today,’’ Watson said. ’’We’ll go out on the road tomorrow and it will be like a regular-season game in that we’ll go up about noonish and come right back after the game.

’’We’ll go back up there and play as hard as we can to get a win.’’

The bottom line for both Watson and Soo head coach Craig Hartsburg Saturday night was the safety of their players, and the right decision was made if there was any question someone might get hurt on the ice.

’’Our players weren’t all shook by this because our players have played on this ice all year,’’ Watson said. ’’We practice on that ice. We face those (poor ice) conditions all season.

’’I was just worried about the welfare of the players on both teams. If you would have said we’d have bad passes (because of the ice) or players will mishandle the puck or it’s bumpy on your feet, well, whoope-do, I’ll hand you a lollipop. But if it’s a case where it (bad ice) will result in an injury, that’s all we should be concerned about. I feel Craig feels the same way.’’ v

Mark Constantine is a sports writer for The Saginaw News. You may reach him by calling 776-9769.

Costly mistake

The Saginaw Spirit skated on the ice at TheDow Event Center’s Wendler Arena Sunday morning.

The only problem was they got on the surface 14 hours after they should have played the Soo Greyhounds on it in Game 2 of a best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal series.

Unsafe ice conditions Saturday night resulted in the postponement of the game, sending 3,500 hockey fans out into the night disappointed. But they weren’t the only ones who were upset.

’’It was frustrating sitting in the locker room waiting,’’ Saginaw coach Todd Watson said. ’’... Who is hurt by it? That’s the first thing I think about. First of all, the players got hurt by it. There were (NHL) scouts who called me to confirm who was going to be in the lineup. Second thing is the fans. That’s our bread and butter to us. Our fans are everything to us. They are there buying souvenirs, popcorn, food, pop and beer, ready for some hockey. It’s Saturday night, a great night for some hockey before Easter and then the bottom drops out.

’’Lastly, the Saginaw Spirit really got hurt by this. The league says, well, we can’t punish the Soo for your mistakes. Well, wait, this isn’t the Saginaw Spirit’s mistake. We are a victim in this, too. Could it (last night) have been avoided? Absolutely. I’ve worked in that arena long enough to know and you should be able to play a football game at night and a hockey game the next afternoon without a problem.

’’Now, here’s what happens. We’re at the mercy of an April 1 deadline (to finish a first-round series). It’s a vicious circle. Now it’s back to the players getting hurt trying to jam all these games in a short time frame.

’’It is disappointing, no doubt about it.’’

Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin also is disappointed, but he’s willing to give event center staff, led by General Manager James Wade Jr., the benefit of the doubt for what happened Saturday night.

Wade actually works for SMG Worldwide Facilities Management, which manages arenas across the United States and Canada.

’’In retrospect, we would have gotten a little more, and I’m sure SMG, we all would have gotten a little more proactive when it came to getting the football field down quicker (following the Saginaw Sting Continental Indoor Football League game) Friday night and getting the ice treated immediately after the football game,’’ Goslin said. ’’In past events, that’s happened. For example, they were able to turn over the arena after a Martina McBride concert on a Saturday night and play a hockey game the next afternoon.

’’It’s something SMG does on a regular basis at facilities worldwide and they are very good at it. They are batting 1,000 with us when it comes to turning over Wendler Arena. This is the first time this has happened, and we really weren’t concerned beforehand during the day on Saturday.’’

Wade acknowledged his people made mistakes and he’ll work diligently to correct them.

’’It (the postponement) impacts us financially,’’ Wade said. ’’We’re dealing with the Spirit and it will end up costing us. We’re working with them to take care of some of their costs and the other team’s costs, too.

’’The building is responsible for the ice. I can give you all sorts of excuses for why it happened, but that’s just what they’d be, excuses. The bottom line is the building wasn’t ready. We are doing everything we can to make sure it doesn’t happen again.’’

Fans with ticket stubs from Saturday night’s postponed game can take them to the Spirit office on State Street in Saginaw Township or the event center box office for a full refund. Or they can use them for Thursday night’s re-scheduled playoff game with the Soo.

Goslin asked fans to call 797-7747 for more information. v

Mark Constantine is a sports writer for The Saginaw News. You may reach him by calling 776-9769.

Spirit Game Postponed to Thursday night

Tonight’s Saginaw Spirit Home Game against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds has been postponed to Thursday, March 27th due to poor ice conditions.  The rescheduled game will follow Wednesday’s home game on March 26th.

"It’s an unfortunate situation that created an unsafe environment for the players from both teams," stated Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin, "It was with their safety in mind that we were forced to make the regrettable decision to postpone the game to next Thursday.  We sincerely regret the inconvenience this has caused our fans."

Fans can turn in their ticket for tonight’s contest to TheDow Event Center Box Office for a full refund, or use that ticket for admittance into Thursday’s home game.

Revised Schedule:

Game 2: Monday, March 24th in Sault Ste. Marie; 7:00 PM
Game 3: Wednesday, March 26th in Saginaw; 7:11 PM
Game 4: Thursday, March 27th in Saginaw; 7:11 PM
Game 5: Saturday, March 29th in Sault Ste. Marie; 7:00 PM*
Game 6: Monday, March 31st in Saginaw; 7:11 PM*
Game 7: Tuesday, April 1st in Sault Ste. Marie; 7:00 PM*

*If necessary

Spirit Fight to the Final Buzzer in 5-4 Loss to Greyhounds

The Saginaw Spirit lost 5-4 to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Friday night in the opening game of the OHL playoff series between the two teams.  Spirit captain Ryan McDonough tallied two goals in the effort, one of which came after the team pulled goalie Ryan Daniels in the final seconds for an extra attacker.  McDonough earned the third star of the game.  The Greyhounds lead the series one game to none, and will face the Spirit at 7:11 PM tomorrow night at TheDow Event Center in Saginaw.

Both teams opened the series amongst a scoring explosion that saw five combined goals.  Greyhounds’ winger Jacob Lalonde tallied the first goal of the game at 1:38 in the first, assisted by center Matt Caria and defenseman Dylan King.  Spirit d-man Garrett Sinfield responded at the 3:51 mark with a power play goal tying the game 1-1.  Winger David Jarram and center Tyler Murovich assisted on the goal.  The back-and-forth scoring continued when Caria scored a goal at 11:50 in the period, courtesy an assist from Lalonde.  Saginaw winger Kyle Tront would tie up the game for the second time, with an unassisted goal at the 17:18 mark.  The first period would end with Sault Ste. Marie holding a 3-2 lead however, when Caria would score a goal at 18:05 in the period, assisted by winger James Livingston and winger Brandon MacLean.      

The Greyhounds would take a two goal lead in the third period following a scoreless second period.  Defenseman Josh Godfrey notched a power play goal at 1:38 in the third, taking the score to 4-2 Greyhounds.  Winger Wayne Simmonds and center Matthew Lyall assisted on the goal.  Spirit center Ryan McDonough would answer with a power play goal at the 9:36 mark, reducing the deficit to one goal.  Winger Chris Chappell assisted on the goal.  The Greyhounds’ Lyall took the score to 5-3 with a goal at the 14:11 mark, assisted by Simmonds.  The Spirit would continue to pressure the Greyhounds into the final minutes, pulling netminder Ryan Daniels in the final seconds for an extra attacker – the gamble paid off when McDonough tallied his second of the night, moving the contest to within one goal.  Defensemen T.J. Brodie and Nick Crawford assisted on the goal.  Despite the effort, the team found itself unable to tie the game with only :36 seconds remaining in the game.  The contest ended 5-4, with the Greyhounds taking a one game lead in the series.

Spirit goalie Ryan Daniels (OTT) posted 34 saves on 39 shots, while Greyhounds goalie Kyle Gajewski notched 22 saves on 26 shots.

For a complete game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com

The Spirit host the Greyhounds at 7:11 PM tomorrow night.  There will be a special visit from the Easter Bunny plus an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids starting at 6:15 PM!  For tickets, please contact the Spirit at 989-497-7747.

Game 2 - Sat., March 22 at Saginaw 7:11
Game 3 - Mon., March 24 at Sault Ste. Marie 7:00
Game 4 - Wed., March 26 at Saginaw 7:11
Game 5 - Fri., March 28 at Sault Ste. Marie 7:30 *
Game 6 - Sat., March 29 at Saginaw 7:11 *
Game 7- Tues., April 1 at Sault Ste. Marie 7:00 *

*If Necessary

March 21, 2008

Western Conference

5) Guelph Storm 3
4) London Knights 2
Guelph Leads Series 1-0

8) Plymouth Whalers 2
1) Kitchener Ranger 9
Kitchener Leads Series 1-0

7) Saginaw Spirit 4
2) Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 5
Sault Ste. Marie Leads Series 1-0

3) Windsor Spitfires 2
6) Sarnia Sting 5
Sarnia Leads Series 2-0

Eastern Conference

6) Ottawa 67’s 2
3) Oshawa Generals 3
Oshawa Leads Series 1-0

4) Niagra Ice Dogs 3
5) Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors 1
Niagra Leads Series 2-0

OHL Coaches Poll Recognizes McDonough and Combs!

Saginaw Spirit forwards Ryan McDonough and Jack Combs were recognized by the league today in the 2007-2008 Coaches Poll.  The OHL Coaches Poll provides team coaches with the opportunity to recognize players in several skill categories within their own conference.  Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote and one point for a third place vote

Spirit captain Ryan McDonough garnered the most votes in the  ’Most Dangerous in the Goal Area’ category.  The Toronto, Ontario native secured 29 votes, with London’s Pat Maroon coming in second with 26 votes and Plymouth’s Chris Terry coming in third with 19 votes.

Spirit assistant captain Jack Combs took the top spot in the ’Most Improved Player’ category, with the coaches giving him 33 votes.  The St. Louis, Missouri native beat out Sault Ste. Marie’s James Livingston, who had 17 votes, and Guelph’s Brandon Buck, who have 16 votes.

Congratulations to Ryan and Jack!

*******

For the Ontario Hockey Leauge

Wednesday March 19, 2008

Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the results for the 2007-08 Coaches Poll.

The OHL Coaches Poll provides team coaches with the opportunity to recognize players in several skill categories within their own conference. The top three players in each category from the Eastern and Western Conferences are recognized. Coaches vote for each category within their conference and are not permitted to vote for players on their team. Players receive five points for a first place vote, three points for a second place vote and one point for a third place vote.

In the Eastern Conference, Belleville Bulls’ captain Matt Beleskey led the way, winning three categories, including hardest worker, best body checker and hardest shot. John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals (most dangerous in the goal area and best stickhandler) and Cory Tanaka of the Bulls (best defensive forward and best penalty killer) were also multiple category winners.

In the Western Conference, Justin Azevedo of the Kitchener Rangers won three categories, including smartest player, best playmaker and best on face-offs while Steven Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting won best stickhandler and best shot. Windsor Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud, who passed away last month, was honoured as the most underrated player and the best defensive forward.

Eastern Conference

Most Underrated Player

Jesse Messier, Mississauga (22)
Jan Mursak, Belleville (16)
Pat Daley, Peterborough (13)

Most Improved Player

Mike Murphy, Belleville (20)
Alex Hutchings, Barrie (16)
Jared Staal, Sudbury (16)

Smartest Player

Cody Hodgson, Brampton (29)
Logan Couture, Ottawa (17)
Zach Bogosian, Peterborough (17)

Hardest Worker

Matt Beleskey, Belleville (38)
Luca Caputi, Niagara (21)
Zach Bogosian, Peterborough (19)

Best Playmaker

John Hughes, Brampton (30)
Logan Couture, Ottawa (19)
Jan Mursak, Belleville (16)

Most Dangerous in the Goal Area

John Tavares, Oshawa (35)
Luca Caputi, Niagara (20)
Shawn Matthias (19)

Best Skater

Mike Swift, Niagara (30)
Shawn Lalonde, Belleville (18)
Yves Bastien, Peterborough (17)

Best Shot

Brett MacLean, Oshawa (36)
Luca Caputi, Niagara (21)
Cody Hodgson, Brampton (12)

Hardest Shot

Matt Beleskey, Belleville (26)
Kaspars Daugavins, Mississauga (17)
Alex Pietrangelo, Niagara (13)

Best Stickhandler

John Tavares, Oshawa (41)
Jan Mursak, Belleville (20)
Logan Couture, Oshawa (13)

Best on Face-Offs

Shawn Matthias, Belleville (32)
John Armstrong, Peterborough (16)
John Tavares, Oshawa (15)

Best Body Checker

Matt Beleskey, Belleville (36)
Julien Demers, Ottawa (13)
Stefan Della Rovere, Barrie; John deGray, Brampton; Zac Rinaldo, Mississauga (10)

Best Defensive Forward

Cory Tanaka, Belleville (37)
Thomas Kiriakou, Ottawa (18)
Jesse Messier, Mississauga (15)

Best Penalty Killer

Cory Tanaka, Belleville (32)
Thomas Kiriakou, Ottawa (19)
Thomas Stajan, Brampton (10)

Best Offensive Defenceman

Bobby Sanguinetti, Brampton (38)
Zach Bogosian, Peterborough (25)
Michael Del Zotto, Oshawa (11)

Best Defensive Defenceman

Geoff Killing, Belleville (25) tie
Zach Bogosian, Peterborough (25)
John deGray, Brampton; Alex Pietrangelo, Niagara (13)

Western Conference

Most Underrated Player

Mickey Renaud, Windsor (30)
Andrew Fournier, Plymouth (20)
Matt Pepe, Kitchener (11)

Most Improved Player

Jack Combs, Saginaw (33)
James Livingston, Sault Ste. Marie (17)
Brandon Buck, Guelph (16)

Smartest Player

Justin Azevedo, Kitchener (28)
Steven Stamkos, Sarnia (21)
Chris Terry, Plymouth (19)

Hardest Worker

Matt Halischuk, Kitchener (30)
Mickey Renaud, Windsor (25)
Rafael Rotter, Guelph (13)

Best Playmaker

Justin Azevedo, Kitchener (45)
Chris Terry, Plymouth (17)
Vladimir Nikiforov, Sarnia (14)

Most Dangerous in the Goal Area

Ryan McDonough, Saginaw (29)
Pat Maroon, London (26)
Chris Terry, Plymouth (19)

Best Skater

Mikkel Boedker, Kitchener (30)
Mark Katic, Sarnia (28)
Matt Lyall, Sault Ste. Marie (15)

Best Shot

Steven Stamkos, Sarnia (24)
Yannick Weber, Kitchener (19)
Chris Terry, Plymouth (16)

Hardest Shot

Josh Godfrey, Sault Ste. Marie (35)
Yannick Weber, Kitchener (21)
Ryan Wilson, Sarnia (15)

Best Stickhandler

Steven Stamkos, Sarnia Sting (39)
Nazem Kadri, Kitchener (18)
Josh Bailey, Windsor (13)

Best on Face-Offs

Justin Azevedo, Kitchener (34)
Mickey Renaud, Windsor (17)
Dustin Jeffrey, Sault Ste. Marie (11)

Best Body Checker

Ryan Wilson, Sarnia (27)
Mike Duco, Kitchener (25)
Leigh Salters, Guelph (15)

Best Defensive Forward

Mickey Renaud, Windsor (34)
Matt Lyall, Sault Ste. Marie (20)
Andrew Wilkins, London (14)

Best Penalty Killer

Matt Halischuk, Kitchener (30)
Brandon MacLean, Sault Ste. Marie (20)
Bradley Snetsinger, Windsor (14)

Best Offensive Defenceman

Drew Doughty, Guelph (32)
Yannick Weber, Kitchener (18)
Ryan Wilson, Sarnia (14)

Best Defensive Defenceman

Matt Pepe, Kitchener (23)
Drew Doughty, Guelph (20)
Andrew Campbell, Sault Ste. Marie (11)

Final 2007-08 Spirit Stats

SCORING

Name GP G A Pts

Jack Combs 67 42 58 100

Ryan McDonough 66 45 44 89

Tomas Zaborsky 68 31 39 70

Tyler Murovich 68 19 19 38

Chris Chappell 54 14 20 34

Jordan Szwarz 65 12 21 33

T.J. Brodie 68 4 26 30

Adam Comrie 58 10 18 28

Brendan Taylor 56 6 19 25

Joe Pleckaitis 68 7 15 22

Nick Crawford 68 4 16 20

Brad Smith 67 4 15 19

David Jarram 63 11 7 18

Garrett Sinfield 50 4 9 13

Kyle Tront 53 4 9 13

Joe Underwood 56 0 7 7

Jason McDonough 23 2 4 6

Daniel Pachis 59 1 5 6

Christopher Breen 55 0 6 6

Kain Allicock 41 1 1 2

Jordan Ogilvie 49 0 2 2

Zane Neily 8 1 0 1

Sloan Stewart 3 0 1 1

Conner Smee 1 0 0 0

Mitch Fillman 3 0 0 0

Cody Sol 11 0 0 0

Edward Pasquale 23 0 0 0

Ryan Daniels 48 0 0 0

GOALIES

Name GP W L OTL SL GAA

Ryan Daniels 49 20 15 8 2 3.15

Edward Pasquale 23 12 9 1 1 3.25

OHL LEADERS

SCORING

Name GP G A Pts

Justin Azevedo, Kitchener 67 43 81 124

Brett MacLean, Oshawa 61 61 58 119

John Tavares, Oshawa 59 40 78 118

Luca Caputi, Niagara 66 51 60 111

Steven Stamkos, Sarnia 61 58 47 105

Chris Terry, Plymouth 68 44 57 101

Jack Combs, Saginaw 67 42 58 100

GOALS

Name GP G

Brett MacLean, Oshawa 61 61

Steven Stamkos, Sarnia 61 58

Luca Caputi, Niagara 66 51

Taylor Hall, Windsor 63 45

Ryan McDonough, Saginaw 66 45

Chris Terry, Plymouth 68 44

Justin Azevedo, Kitchener 67 43

Jack Combs, Saginaw 67 42

GOALS-AGAINST AVERAGE

Name GP W L GAA

Mike Murphy, Belleville 49 36 7 2.24

Kyle Gajewski, Soo 60 39 16 2.44

Josh Unice, Kitchener 42 30 6 2.45

Thomas McCollum, Guelph 51 25 17 2.50

Steve Mason, Kitchener 42 32 7 2.51

SAVE PERCENTAGE

Name GP PCT.

Mike Murphy, Belleville 49 .929

Jeremy Smith, Plymouth 40 .921

Andrew Perugini, Barrie 52 .917

Steve Mason, Kitchener 42 .916

Sebestiam Dahm, Niagara 57 .915