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Soft goal leads to Spirit's demise
Posted: 12.06.2009 at 12:18 AM
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Visiting London earns 5-2 win
SAGINAW -- The Saginaw Spirit lost to the London Knights 5-2 Saturday night in what was also the eighth annual Meijer Teddy Bear Toss Celebration – over 775 teddy bears were thrown onto the ice for charity after a goal from Tyler Murovich in the first period. Spirit winger Joe Pleckaitis also tallied a Spirit goal in the effort, earning the games second star honors, while defenseman Joe Underwood posted two assists. The loss moves Saginaw’s record to 16-12-2-0 and 32 points.
London winger Leigh Salters led the scoring in the first period, notching a goal at 16:31 that was assisted by center Jared Knight and defenseman Kalle Ekelund. The Saginaw Spirit returned fire late in the period with a shorthanded goal scored by center Tyler Murovich, assisted by center Vince Trocheck and defenseman Joe Underwood, which came at the 19:48 mark. The Spirit goal triggered the Meijer Teddy Bear Toss, which saw fans throw over 775 teddy bears onto the ice for charity.
The Knights took the lead in the second period when defenseman Steven Tarasuk found the net at the 5:36 mark, courtesy an assist from center Michael MacDonald. Center Nazem Kadri (NHL TORONTO MAPLELEAFS) extended the Knights lead, scoring an unassisted goal at 9:49 into the period. Tallying his second goal for the Knights, Kadri added a powerplay goal at 14:27 in the second. Assists on the goal came from centers Jared Knight and Philip McRae (NHL ST. LOUIS BLUES). The second period ended with the Knights ahead 4-1.
London continued their scoring ways, as Jared Knight scored a powerplay goal at 2:13 courtesy assists from Tarasuk and Salters. The Spirit would answer late in the third with a powerplay goal from winger Joe Pleckaitis at the 10-:06 mark that was assisted by Underwood and defenseman Brad Walch. Despite the concerted effort, the Knights took home two points following the 5-2 regulation decision.
Spirit goaltender Edward Pasquale (NHL ATLANTA THRASHERS) posted 32 saves on 37 shots, while London goalie Michael Hutchinson (NHL BOSTON BRUINS) finished with 31 saves on 33 shots.
For the official OHL game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar Three Stars of the Game*:1. Jared Knight (LDN)
2. Joe Pleckaitis (SAG)
3. Nazem Kadri (LDN)
*As denoted by the official OHL game sheet.
The teddy bears collected will be donated to the Toys for Tots, Saginaw Area First Responders and the Covenant HealthCare Pediatrics Ward, while the cash proceeds from the teddy bear sales will be donated to the Saginaw East Side Soup Kitchen. A special thanks to Meijer for their continued support of the event, and to the radio personalities from Z93 The Rock Station, WIOG 102.5 and WHEELZ 104.5 that supported the event.
The Saginaw Spirit are on the road next weekend, with a two game stint beginning with a 7:00 PM match-up against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Wednesday, December 9. The Spirit will visit the Plymouth Whalers Saturday, December 12, for a 7:05 PM game. Fans can catch the action live on FM Talk and Sports WSGW 100.5 via the radio and free web cast available at SaginawSpirit.com, so tune in! The Spirit return to action at TheDow Event Center Thursday December 17 and Saturday, December 19 when they host the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and Windsor Spitfires, respectively.