Misa, Parekh take gold at 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Breclav, Cze. – A late overtime goal over the host Czechs saw Team Canada (U18) to a 3-2 victory and their 24th gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Saturday. Among the 24 CHL players with gold around their necks are Spirit sophomores Michael Misa and Zayne Parekh.

Parekh, 17, finished the tournament with a trio of assists in five games played. Most crucial among them were a pair of helpers in Canada’s 7-2 semifinal win over the United States. The first came on Malcolm Spence’s game-tying goal early in the second period. The second of Parekh’s assists came just minutes later on a Berkley Catton powerplay goal that proved to be the game-winner.

Oakville, Ont. native Michael Misa finished the tournament with an impressive eight points (2G-6A) in five games. His most productive 60 minutes came in Canada’s 14-4 takedown of Slovakia in the preliminary round. Misa dropped a two-goal, four-assist night, following it with two more assists against Switzerland the next day.

Both Misa and Parekh found themselves on the OHL’s First All-Rookie team in 2023, as well as the CHL All-Rookie team after stellar rookie performances. They look to follow it up with a second season to remember, beginning September 29th in Kitchener. Tickets to Saginaw’s September 30th home opener against the Sarnia Sting go on sale August 14th. For more information, visit saginawspirit.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

For media inquiries, contact Dillon Clark at dclark@saginawspirit.com.