Here Today, NHL Tomorrow: 11 Saginaw Spirit Alumni Make NHL Opening-Day Rosters

October 11, 2022 – Ontario Hockey League (OHL) – Saginaw Spirit News Release

Saginaw, Mich. – 11 Saginaw Spirit alumni appear on National Hockey League (NHL) Opening Day rosters ahead of 2022-23 regular season set to face-off Tuesday night.

Ben Chiarot (Detroit), Filip Hronek (Detroit), Ryan McLeod (Edmonton), Vincent Trocheck (New York Rangers), Hayden Hodgson (Philadelphia), Owen Tippett (Philadelphia), Jamie Oleksiak (Seattle), Brandon Saad (St. Louis), TJ Brodie (Toronto), Cole Perfetti (Winnipeg), and Ryan Suzuki* (Carolina – injured reserve) have all made their respective opening rosters for the first night of NHL action set for Thursday evening in New York and Los Angeles.

Trocheck (2009-2013) and the New York Rangers will host the Stanley Cup runners-up, Tampa Bay Lightning beginning at 7:30 p.m. E.T. on ESPN, ESPN+, and Sportsnet ONE (SN1) in Canada.

The former captain starred for the Spirit, finishing his OHL career second all-time in franchise history in points (240), and first all-time in assists (146).

On Wednesday night, multiple Spirit Alumni will make their season debut including Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman TJ Brodie, who’s 772 NHL games played in the most by any active Spirit alumni.

In the Pacific Division, Jamie Oleskiak (2011-12) and the Seattle Kraken travel to Southern California to face the Anaheim Ducks Wednesday evening.

Also Wednesday night, Ryan McLeod (2019) and the Edmonton Oilers host the Vancouver Canucks at 10:00 p.m. ET.

Thursday, Owen Tippett (2019), Hayden Hodgson (2015-17), and the Philadelphia Flyers host the New Jersey Devils at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN+ and Hulu.

Friday, Ben Chiarot (2011), Filip Hronek (2016-17), and the Detroit Red Wings face the Montreal Canadiens in a battle of two original-six teams. The puck drops at 7:00 p.m. on Bally Sports Detroit.

Cole Perfetti (2018-2020) and Trocheck will go head-to-head Friday night when the Winnipeg Jets host the New York Rangers. Puck drop is at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Finally on Saturday night, another former Spirit captain Brandon Saad (2010-2012) and the St. Louis Blues host the Columbus Blue Jackets at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Saginaw returns home Saturday, October 22, as they host the London Knights at The Dow Event Center in Riverfront Saginaw, Michigan. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. and Tickets are available at Ticketmaster, the Saginaw Spirit Store (6321 State Street), Dow Event Center Box Office, and by phone at (989) 497-7747.

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