SAGINAW -- The Saginaw Spirit edged out division rival the Sarnia Sting 4-2 Saturday night, wrapping up a three game weekend series that saw the Spirit go 2-1-0-0 to advance their record to 24-21-4-1 for 53 points. The Spirit offensive production was spread out amongst four different goal scorers – Ryan O’Connor, Cody Sol, Josh Shalla and Jordan Skellett. The Spirit victory also marked the conclusion of the hugely successful third annual MCVI Foundation Shocks and Saves event, which raised over $30,000 for the fight against heart disease. Stay tuned to SaginawSpirit.com Sunday for a complete breakdown on the event.

The two teams skated through a scoreless first period, but it was the Sting who opened scoring in the second period with two straight goals. The first Sarnia goal was scored by winger Brett Richie one minute into the period, with assists courtesy winger Kale Kerbashian and defenseman Joe Rogalski. Defenseman Nathan Chiarlitti tallied a power play goal at the 4:20 mark, assisted by Kerbashian and center Miroslav Preisinger. The Spirit quickly answered to tie up the contest before exiting the second period tied 2-2. Defenseman Ryan O’connor knocked in the Spirit’s first goal on a powerplay at the 11:32 mark, with the assists being credited to centers Tyler Murovich and Michael Sgarbossa. Defenseman Cody Sol (NHL ATLANTA THRASHERS) tallied the game tying goal at 12:08 in the period, thanks to assists from center Vincent Trocheck and winger Anthony Camara.

The Spirit scoring streak continued into the third period with two consecutive goals. Winger Josh Shalla notched a powerplay goal at the 6:45 mark, assisted by Trocheck and winger Jordan Skellett. Skellett would carry the torch late in the third to give the Spirit a healthy 4-2 lead, scoring an unassisted goal at the 17:44 mark. The Spirit continued to pressure the Sting, and sealed the 4-2 win in regulation.

Saginaw goaltender Edward Pasquale (NHL ATLANTA THRASHERS) posted 39 saves on 41 shots, while Sarnia goalie Shayne Campbell ended the game with 26 saves on 30 shots.

Applebee’s Three Starts of the Game

1. Josh Shalla (SAG)

2. Kale Kerbashian (SAR)

3. Edward Pasquale (SAG)

The Spirit go on the road for three consecutive games beginning Friday, February 5 to take on the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. The team then takes on the Erie Otters on Saturday, February 6, and closes out the weekend on Sunday, February 7 in a matchup against the Kitchener Rangers.

The team will return to The Dow Event Center Friday, February 12 for a battle against the Plymouth Whalers at 7:11 PM. For ticket information, please contact the Spirit at 989-497-7747 or visit the Official Saginaw Spirit Ticket and Merchandise Store at 5789 State Street in Saginaw.