Spirit Fall to Firebirds in I-75 Divide Cup Opener
October 26, 2022 – Ontario Hockey League (OHL) – Saginaw Spirit News Release
Saginaw, Mich – The Saginaw Spirit (5-5-1-0) fell to their in-state rival the Flint Firebirds (6-5-0-0) with a final score of 7-2 in front of 1,939 fans Wednesday night at the Dow Event Center in Riverfront Saginaw, Michigan.
2025 NHL draft eligible Michael Misa scored his ninth goal of the season in the 7-2 loss against the Flint Firebirds.
The game started out with both teams playing defensively but Flint scoring first at 2:44 in the first period. 2023 NHL Draft prospect Coulson Pitre scored his third goal of the year on a wrist shot after Braeden Kressler passed to him from the neutral zone.
Brayden Hislop took a tripping penalty at 6:47 in the first frame. Flint scored on the man advantage at 7:35 to make it 2-0. Tyler Deline started the play by giving Firebirds Captain Brennan Othman the puck. Gavin Hayes received the puck from Othman on the left side for the powerplay goal.
Tristan Lennox showed his athleticism by making a diving save halfway through the first frame to hold Flint to a two-goal lead.
Saginaw took a roughing penalty at 9:24 in the opening frame and Flint capitalized on the chance with a goal at 11:22. Braeden Kressler scored while falling after being given the puck by Zacharie Giroux. Coulson Pitre was credited for an assist after gifting the puck to Giroux to start the play.
Lennox made a stop 13 minutes into the first period on a breakaway chance to deny Flint another goal.
With five minutes remaining in the first, Flint led the game 3-0 and shots, 10-5.
Flint scored again with 60 seconds left in the opening frame. Brennan Othmann got his second point of the game after Gavin Hayes passed to him for Flint’s fourth of the night.
Saginaw answered back with a goal just before the period ended with 12 seconds left. 2022 OHL first overall draft pick Michael Misa shot on the left side after Calem Mangone passed from behind the net. Anaheim Ducks prospect Pavel Mintyukov assisted by getting the puck to Mangone. The goal for Misa was his fifth in just under seven periods of hockey.
At the end of the first period, Flint led the game 4-1 and in shots, 12-7.
The second period opened with Lennox making a stop three minutes in to keep Flint off the board in the second.
The Spirit received a chance to get back in the game in the second period when Ethan Hay of the Firebirds was whistled for a 4:00 high-sticking penalty, but the Spirit came up empty.
Halfway through the middle period, Flint led 4-1 and Saginaw led in shots 17-16.
Both teams showed their defensive skills by not allowing each other to get a shot on goal for several minutes into the second period.
Saginaw took an interference penalty at 15:31 in the second period. Flint was unable to score on the chance.
With one second remaining, Flint scored on a breakaway chance courtesy of Braeden Kressler. The goal is Kressler’s fourth of the season and extended Flints’ goal count to five on the night.
The second period ended with Flint leading 5-1 and shots tied at 19 apiece.
The third period started with Saginaw putting on the pressure and having several long possessions through the opening minutes of the period.
Lennox made several stops five minutes into the period to keep Flint off the board.
Saginaw scored their second goal of the night at 6:42 in the third period. Matyas Sapovaliv won the faceoff and passed to Dean Loukus for a wrist shot goal.
Flint answered back fast at 7:02 in the final frame. Simon Slavicek scored on a falling wrist shot. Coulson Pitre and Bareden Kressler were credited with assists.
The Firebirds got their final goal at 8:16 of the third period. Kaden Pitre got his second of the year after Alex Bradshaw passed to him for a one-timer goal.
Halfway through the third period, Flint led 7-2 and Saginaw led shots, 25-23.
Tristan Lennox started for the Spirit, making 16 saves on 23 shots. Will Cranley manned the crease for Flint, making 27 saves on 29 shots.
With five minutes remaining, both teams shared long possessions but no goals.
As time ran out, neither team was able to add to their goal total and the game ended with a final score of 7-2 in favor of the Firebirds.
Saginaw falls to 5-5-1-0 and Flint leads the Coors Light I-75 Divide Cup Series, 1-0.
Saginaw’s next game is Saturday, October 29, when they take on the Mississauga Steelheads 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.
Kids and adults are encouraged to wear their Halloween costume and participate in our Halloween parade taking place in the first intermission.
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