Saginaw scores twice in third period to take 1-0 series lead
SAGINAW -- The Saginaw Spirit opened up the playoffs with an empowering 3-2 victory over the Guelph Storm, taking the first game of the best-of-seven series between the two teams. The team entered the third period down 2-1 but rallied for two goals to secure the victory.
The Spirit lead their first round playoff series against the Guelph Storm 1-0, with the two teams back in action Sunday afternoon in Guelph.
Guelph opened scoring with winger Taylor Beck scoring at the 3:29 mark of the first from center Peter Holland and defenseman Andrey Pedan. Defenseman Ryan O’Connor responded with a powerplay goal at 6:21 from winger Josh Shalla and center Ivan Telegin to tie up the game at one apiece. The Storm would answer in the second period however, retaking their lead courtesy a goal from center Francis Menard at the 16:33 mark, assisted by wingers Zach Mitchell and Beck.
The Spirit would fight back with two consecutive goals in the third period to secure the win. Shalla scored first at the 9:03 mark with assists from Mathew Sisca and Vincent Trocheck, making it 2-2. Moments later at 11:21 Trocheck scored the game winning goal to give the Spirit the one game advantage over the Storm in their first round playoff series, with the goal coming from Telegin and winger Brandon Saad.
Spirit goalie Mavric Parks would notch 38 saves on 40 shots, while the Storm goalie Brandon Foote posted 32 saves on 35 shots.
Visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com for a complete game sheet.
The Spirit playoff series against the Guelph Storm resumes Sunday in Guelph with a 2:00 PM match-up, then the action returns home to The Dow Event Center for game three of the series on Monday, March 28 at 7:11 PM. The Spirit playoffs are presented by the Great Lakes Bay Region Convention and Visitors Bureau. Get your tickets - Ticket prices for the first round will remain the same as the regular season!
WESTERN CONFERENCE SERIES ‘B’ – SAGINAW SPIRIT (2) vs. GUELPH STORM (7):
GAME ONE: GUELPH 2 at SAGINAW 3 Final
GAME TWO: Sunday, March 27 at Guelph; 2:00 PM
GAME THREE: Monday, March 28 at Saginaw; 7:11 PM
GAME FOUR: Thursday, March 31 at Guelph; 7:00 PM
GAME FIVE: Saturday, April 2 at Saginaw; 7:11 PM (If Necessary)
GAME SIX: Sunday, April 3 at Guelph; 7:00 PM (If Necessary)
GAME SEVEN: Tuesday, April 5 at Saginaw; 7:11 PM (If Necessary)
