Saginaw Spirit Weekly: Misa Leads Workforce to 2 Opening-Week Wins – The Hockey Writers – OHL

After an offseason that noticed their high defenseman get drafted within the first spherical of the NHL Draft and a handful of veteran gamers make their technique to the following stage of hockey, the 2024 Memorial Cup champions, the Saginaw Spirit, hit the ice to open the 2024-25 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season. With the joy surrounding the house opener and the Memorial Cup banner elevating, the Spirit discovered themselves on the shedding finish of an additional time recreation towards the Windsor Spitfires however did finish the weekend with two wins to their file. 

Recreation Outcomes

Sept. 25 vs Windsor Spitfires- 5-4 OTL

Sept. 27 @ Soo Greyhounds- 6-4 W

Sept. 28 vs Sarnia Sting- 6-1 W

Misa Begins the Season on Hearth

Heading into this season, a lot has been anticipated out of 2025 Draft-eligible ahead Michael Misa. After being granted distinctive standing earlier than the 2022-23 season, he has proven flashes of having the ability to play on the stage that earned him the standing however performed a little bit of a secondary function with the workforce final season resulting from the entire veteran gamers main the way in which. Even with that being stated, he did end final season with 75 factors. 

As one of many 2025 Draft’s high prospects, Misa got here out on hearth within the first three video games of this season. Whereas he has been extraordinarily spectacular within the offensive zone proper off the bat (seven objectives, one help), his all-around recreation appears to be taking the following soar. Within the Spirit’s three video games all through the opening week, he confirmed a strong defensive recreation and was one of many workforce’s most constant and relied upon penalty killers. 

His offensive recreation was the clear-cut spotlight of the week, as he simply took over the sport each time he had the puck on his stick. As one of many extra seasoned gamers on the roster, Misa shall be closely relied upon to take his recreation to the following stage, and his begin to the season reveals that he has the total functionality of doing simply that. 

Workforce Protection a Bit Shaky

As talked about earlier than, there was plenty of roster change within the offseason, with defensemen like Braden Haché and Jorian Donovan transferring on from the OHL. Add in the truth that Zayne Parekh missed the primary two video games of the season whereas being with the Calgary Flames after being drafted within the first spherical this yr, the workforce’s protection noticed some guys who didn’t essentially have the identical function as they did final season. This was noticeable at instances, because it did appear that the workforce’s protection lacked at instances, and it value them a number of instances within the first three video games of the season. 

Associated: Saginaw Spirit Have a Powerful Act to Comply with This Season

With it being the start of a brand new season and with gamers taking over new roles, it’s totally anticipated that one thing like this may occur, so the hope is that because the season progresses and the gamers get extra expertise and get used to taking part in with one another, that the kinks will get labored out. On high of that, Parekh was returned to the Spirit forward of their matchup with the Sting and introduced much-welcomed poise and stability to the again finish within the Spirit’s 6-1 win. He seemed much more assured within the win after spending a great chunk of the preseason with the Flames. He, like Misa, shall be seemed to assist carry a great portion of the load as one of many seasoned, expert gamers returning this season. 

The Newcomers Slot in Simply High quality

The Spirit’s opening night time roster consisted of a number of gamers who had both not performed an OHL recreation or had performed in a minimal capability. However just a few of them have made their mark and appeared to settle in early on. One in every of these gamers is Kristian Epperson, who joined the Spirit this season after spending final season with the USA Nationwide Workforce Improvement Program (USNTDP). He hung out within the preseason on a line with Misa and appeared to construct robust chemistry with him, and it transferred over shortly to begin the common season. They had been by far the strongest duo within the Spirit’s first three video games, with Epperson exhibiting a powerful willingness to get entangled within the soiled components of the sport and was additionally paired up with Misa on the penalty kill.

Carson Harmer is one other participant making their mark this season after a restricted function with the Spirit final season. He did spend a while with the workforce within the common season however didn’t see any time within the lineup throughout their run to the Memorial Cup. To begin the season, he has proven that he’s able to tackle a full-time function for the workforce. He was a playmaking machine and a participant who created havoc each time he was on the ice.

Different Notes

• Ethan Hay was named the Spirit’s captain earlier than opening night time. He led by instance together with his robust two-way recreation and the nonstop power he brings to the lineup.
• Goaltender Andrew Oke seemed shaky to begin towards the Spitfires however appeared to settle in a bit extra as the sport went on and performed all three video games for the workforce within the season’s opening week.

What’s on Faucet for the Spirit

The Spirit are again in motion twice this upcoming week (Sept. 30 – Oct. 6). They play the Sting as soon as once more on Oct. 4 in Sarnia earlier than returning residence the following night time (Oct. 5) towards the Erie Otters.