Saginaw fights back from 4-1 deficit to defeat Guelph, 5-4
SAGINAW -- The Saginaw Spirit fought back from an early three goal deficit to drop the Guelph Storm 5-4 in regulation Friday night. Spirit captain Tyler Murovich earned the game’s first star honors and Jordan Skellett notched the game’s second star honors with a goal and two assists apiece. The win marks Saginaw’s third win in the last four games, and advances the team’s record to 20-16-3-1 and 44 points.
The Storm seized the initiative early in the game with three consecutive goals. The Storm got on the board :44 seconds into the first period with a goal from winger Michael Latta (NHL NASHVILLE PREDATORS) that was assisted from winger Francis Menard and defenseman Ben Chiarot (NHL ATLANTA THRASHERS). The period ended with the Spirit trailing the Storm 1-0. The Storm started the second period with an early powerplay goal :50 seconds into the period scored by winger Tyler Carroll, with assists credited to center Peter Holland (NHL ANAHEIM DUCKS) and defenseman Corey Syvret. Guelph added another goal at the 3:57 mark, this time from winger Cody McNaughton that was assisted by winger Zack Mitchell and defenseman Ryan Gottschalk. By the middle of the second frame the Storm held a 3-0 advantage over the Spirit.
Saginaw’s Joe Pleckaitis started the Spirit rebound, with a goal at 10:14 in the second period that was assisted by wingers Josh Shalla and Jordan Skellett. The Storm’s Latta quickly answered back with a powerplay goal at 14:16 from winger Taylor Beck (NHL NASHVILLE THRASHERS) and Holland. The Spirit were not deterred however, reducing the deficit with two quick second period goals. The first came on the powerplay at 15:02 courtesy Skellett, with assists coming from defenseman Ryan O’Connor and Shalla. The Saginaw’s Jordan Szwarz (NHL PHOENIX COYOTES) fired in another Spirit goal at the 17:10 mark with help from center Tyler Murovich and defenseman Joe Underwood. The second period ended with the Storm leading by a score of 4-3.
The Spirit continued their rally in the third period, scoring two straight goals to secure the 5-4 victory. The first Spirit goal of the period was scored by winger Anthony Camara at 1:57, with assists coming from Murovich and winger Michael Kantor. The assist marked Kantor’s first OHL career point. The game winning goal came from Murovich on a powerplay at 2:19, with assists from Skellett and Shalla.
Saginaw goaltender Tadeas Galansky posted 25 saves on 29 shots in his Spirit debut, while Guelph goalie Brandon Foote ended the game with 35 saves on 40 attempts.
For the official OHL game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar Three Stars of the Game*:
1. Tyler Murovich (SAG)
2. Jordan Skellett (SAG)
3. Michael Latta (GUE)
*As denoted by the official OHL game sheet.
Meijer presents the Saginaw Spirit as they continue the weekend this Saturday, January 9 with a home game against the Owen Sound Attack at 7:11 PM. Tickets are on sale now for the game – for more information please contact the Official Saginaw Spirit Ticket and Merchandise Store at 5789 State Street in Saginaw or call 989-497-7747.
