https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/tag/game-recap/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:12:21 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/spirit-announce-updates-returners-to-hockey-operations-staff Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:00:43 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/spirit-announce-updates-returners-to-hockey-operations-staff Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced Tuesday the following updates to the team’s hockey operations department for the 2026-2027 season.   Saverio Posa will return to the Spirit as an assistant coach. After serving last season with additional duties as the team’s skill development coach, Posa’s responsibilities in 2026-2027 will shift to the penalty kill and working with the team’s defense.   “I’m extremely grateful and excited to return to this organization,” said Posa. “I want to thank our ownership group, Dave Drinkill, and Brendan Taylor for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to continue pursuing my dream of working in the best development league in the world. I’m looking forward to working alongside Brendan and the rest of our staff to create an environment where our players can develop, compete, and reach their full potential.”   From Grand Blanc, Mich., Posa spent two seasons as an assistant and skill development coach with the Flint Firebirds before arriving in Saginaw for the 2025-2026 season. He broke into the league in the 2022-2023 season as a video coach with the Firebirds after a season as the head coach of the Little Caesars 19U women’s team. Posa was also a player-assistant coach with the Huntsville Havoc (SPHL) in 2019-2020 and head coach of the Willmar WarHawks (NA3HL) in 2018-19. As a player in the OHL, Posa skated in 232 regular season games between the Windsor Spitfires and Guelph Storm, captaining the Spitfires in the 2012-13 season. The Spitfires won the Memorial Cup in 2010, Posa’s rookie season.   The Spirit welcome Aron Augustitus to the organization as an assistant coach for the 2026-2027 season. Augustitus, from North Caldwell, NJ, comes to Saginaw after five seasons with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. He served as the team’s video coach in 2025-2026 after four seasons as an assistant video coach.   “I’m really excited for the opportunity to work for such a well-respected and storied franchise like Saginaw,” said Augustitus. “I want to thank Brendan, Dave, and all of management and ownership for bringing me on to the team. Between the players, staff, and the fan base as a whole, I’m really looking forward to the success we are going to have on and off the ice.”   Posa and Augustitus will join incoming head coach Brendan Taylor behind the Spirit bench when the team opens its season in Sault Ste. Marie on September 18th.   “I am really excited to announce our bench staff for the upcoming season,” said Taylor. “Saverio Posa had all positive reviews from both players and staff and has earned an elevated role where he’ll be responsible for the overall development of the defensemen. Aron Augustitus will assist in working with the forwards and has extensive video experience that will help all players and coaches. I’m looking forward to both of them taking the next steps in their coaching careers.”   Josh Romano will join Saginaw’s scouting staff for the upcoming season, responsible for the Eastern U.S. region. Romano served as a scout with the Niagara IceDogs last year and worked for OHL Central Scouting before that.   Additional hockey ops staff returning include Kevin Delamarter, who will serve as the team’s goaltending coach for a third season. Austin Sadler returns as director of strength & conditioning for his fifth season. Athletic Therapist Andrew Plate MEd, ATC will also return behind the Spirit bench for an eighth year, having joined the team in 2019-2020. Saginaw native Aden Gohm returns as well for his second season as head equipment manager.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/futures-watch-saginaw-spirits-2026-draft-class-and-new-faces Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:05:38 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/futures-watch-saginaw-spirits-2026-draft-class-and-new-faces As the 2026-27 OHL season approaches, the Saginaw Spirit are preparing to build on last year’s campaign. We spoke with the organization about the club’s 2026 draft class and the new faces fans should keep an eye on heading into the upcoming season.   2026 Draft Class Revisit   Player Spotlight: Drew Bate Profile: 5’10”, 163lbs, right-shot forward Hometown: Union, ON Birthdate: Sept 10, 2010 Drafted: 1st Round, 6th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (London Jr. Knights U16 AAA): 27 GP, 34G, 38A, 72 PTS Selected sixth overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Drew Bate joins the Spirit after an impressive season with the London Jr. Knights U16 AAA program. Bate led ALLIANCE in scoring with 72 points (34-38–72) in just 27 games before adding 21 points (7-14–21) in eight playoff contests. He continued his strong postseason at the OHL Cup, recording 13 points (7-6–13) in six games. A champion at both the U15 (2025) and U16 (2026) levels with the Jr. Knights, Bate was named the 2026 ALLIANCE Player of the Year this spring and earned an invitation to Canada’s National Under-17 Development Camp. “Drew Bate is a highly competitive and productive player who has a unique ability to create offence. His combination of speed, skill, and relentless motor allows him to consistently impact the game, especially when the pressure ramps up. He can execute and elevate his play against top competition. His pace, puck pursuit, and compete level fit extremely well with the way we want to play in Saginaw. We believe Drew has all of the tools to develop into a dominant player at the OHL level.” – Greg Hammell, Head Scout   Player Spotlight: Kyler Lauder Profile: 5’10”, 156lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Uxbridge, ON Birthdate: Jan 15, 2010 Drafted: 2nd Round, 24th Overall (2026 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (Central Ontario Wolves U16 AAA): 32 GP, 35G, 34A, 69 PTS Selected 24th overall in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Kyler Lauder led the Central Ontario Wolves U16 AAA team with 69 points (35-34–69) in 32 games while serving as an alternate captain. The Uxbridge, Ont., native added another 16 points (7-9–16) in eight playoff games and was named the OMHA East Player of the Year. “Kyler Lauder is a dynamic forward with a well-rounded skill set that makes him an exciting addition to our organization. We believe he was one of the top skaters to come out of this year's draft, with elite acceleration, agility, and the ability to create separation from opponents. With his skill set, compete level, and continued development, we believe Kyler has the potential to become a very impactful player at the OHL level.” – Greg Hammell, Head Scout   Player Spotlight: Hudson Leenders Profile: 6’0”, 180lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: South Huron, ON Birthdate: Feb 1, 2009 Drafted: 1st Round, 6th Overall (2026 OHL U18 Draft) 2025-26 Stats (Elgin Middlesex Canucks U18 AAA): 34 GP, 23G, 25A, 48 PTS Selected sixth overall in the 2026 OHL U18 Draft, Hudson Leenders led the Elgin Middlesex Canucks U18 AAA in both regular-season and playoff scoring. The left-shot winger recorded 48 points (23-25–48) in 34 regular-season games before adding 19 points (5-14–19) in the postseason. Following his U18 campaign, Leenders also appeared in six games with the GOHL’s Listowel Cyclones. “Hudson Leenders is a powerful skater with good edges and a knack for finding soft spots on the ice to get his extremely accurate shot off quickly. He also has the ability to take pucks to the net and excel in the dirty areas of the rink, driven by an exceptional work ethic and compete level. Leenders is currently signed with the Stratford Warriors of the GOHL and will look to earn a spot with our team at Main Camp.” – Jordan Selinger, Director of Player Development   Player Spotlight: Gordei Khotkov Profile: 6’5”, 212lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: Yaroslavl, Rus Birthdate: Mar 10, 2010 Drafted: 1st Round, 16th Overall (2026 CHL Import Draft) 2025-26 Stats (CSKA Moskva U17): 12 GP, 3G, 6A, 9 PTS Selected 16th overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Gordei Khotkov spent the 2025-26 season competing at the U16 and U17 levels with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and CSKA Moskva. The 6-foot-5 defenceman combined for 63 points (24-39–63) across 56 regular-season and tournament games. At the U16 Russia Cup, Khotkov led all defencemen in tournament scoring with 31 points (13-18–31) in 19 games. He also represented Russia internationally at the U16 level, recording four assists in four games. “Gordei Khotkov is a player who came onto our radar a year ago, and we were very excited to add him through the Import Draft to an already impressive group. He is a mobile, skilled, and smooth-skating defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. We believe Gordei has the abilities, mindset, and physical maturity to be successful in our system and has the potential to become a star in this league and beyond.” – Dave Drinkill, General Manager   Player Spotlight: Dmitri Savin Profile: 6’2”, 190lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Novosibirsk, Rus Birthdate: Apr 14, 2009 Drafted: 1st Round, 31st Overall (2026 CHL Import Draft) 2025-26 Stats (CSKA Moskva U17): 32 GP, 29G, 30A, 59 PTS Selected 31st overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, Dmitri Savin spent the 2025-26 season with CSKA Moskva’s U17 and U18 programs. The Novosibirsk, Russia native led the U17 team with 29 goals and 59 points in 32 games before producing 43 points (24-19–43) in just 19 games at the U18 level. Savin also appeared in both the U17 and U18 Finals series with CSKA, recording 12 points in each, and added 10 points (3-7–10) with Gold Star Hockey U18S at the Andrews International Showcase. “Dmitri is a very talented two-way center who brings a high level of skill and attention to detail in all aspects of his game. He’ll fit in extremely well with the rest of our skilled young players, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to add him to our organization.” – Dave Drinkill, General Manager   Other members of the 2026 class include: 

PLAYER	POSITION	HOMETOWN	DOB	2025-26 TEAM	DRAFTED
Egor Sokolov	G	Thornhill, ON	Mar 16, 2010	Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA	3rd round, 45th overall
Brayden Barkic	LD	Toronto, ON	Jul 24, 2010	Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA	3rd round, 58th overall
Griffin Carver	RD	Flat Rock, MI	Jul 07, 2010	Detroit Little Caesars 15's	4th round, 71st overall
Jacob Curic	LW	Etobicoke, ON	Apr 15, 2010	Toronto Nationals U16 AAA	6th round, 121st overall
Jonathan Tait	LD	Burlington, ON	Apr 08, 2010	Mississauga Senators U16 AAA	7th round, 127th overall
Mason Martin	G	Byron, MI	Feb 10, 2010	Fox Motors HC 15's	8th round, 147th overall
Cole Connolly	C	Tonawanda, NY	Sep 30, 2009	Nichols School Prep B 16U	8th round, 155th overall
A.J. Foyt	LD	Carmel, IN	Sep 18, 2010	Mount St. Charles Academy 15's	9th round, 167th overall
Gryson Gill	RD	Brooklin, ON	May 31, 2010	York-Simcoe Express U16 AAA	10th round, 187th overall
Luke McLean	C	London, ON	Jun 05, 2010	Huron-Perth Lakers U16 AAA	13th round, 247th overall
Hayden Ferra	C	Pittsburgh, PA	Feb 10, 2009	Pittsburgh Predators 15's	14th round, 267th overall
Daniel Vasko	C	Fell Township, PA	Jul 09, 2010	Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Jr. Knights Premier 15's	15th round, 287th overall
Damon Stodola	LD	Etobicoke, ON	Jan 08, 2009	Mississauga Rebels U18 AAA	2nd round, 26th overall (U18)

  2026 New Faces: *Note: Player additions are current as of publication. Team signings remain ongoing, and this section will be updated throughout the offseason as additional players are signed and trades are completed.   Player Spotlight: Alexander Milojevic Profile: 6’0”, 185lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Chicago, IL Birthdate: Sept 5, 2009 Drafted: 4th Round, 73rd Overall (2025 OHL Priority Selection)  2025-26 Stats (U.S. National U17 Team): 47 GP, 8G, 7A, 15 PTS Selected 73rd overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Alexander Milojevic spent the majority of last season with the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U17 team, recording 15 points (8-7–15) in 47 games while also appearing once with the U18 team. Prior to joining the NTDP, the Chicago native starred with the Chicago Mission 15U AAA program, recording 101 points (61-40–101) in 2024-25 – the most in a single season by a Mission 15U player. “Alexander has the ability to change the game very quickly, using his game-breaking speed and skill to dictate play and create offence. During his draft year, he was widely regarded as one of the top U.S. players in his age group, and we can’t wait to continue building on his already strong foundation here with the Spirit.” – Dave Drinkill, General Manager   Player Spotlight: Brody George Profile: 5’9”, 170lbs, left-shot forward Hometown: Johnstown, PA Birthdate: Jan 25, 2008 Drafted: 15th Round, 295th Overall (2025 OHL Priority Selection)  2025-26 Stats (U.S. National U18 Team): 30 GP, 1G, 6A, 7 PTS  Selected 295th overall in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Brody George spent the 2025-26 season with the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U18 team, recording seven points (1-6–7) in 30 games. The left-shot forward also represented the NTDP at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in Calgary and Lethbridge, AB., in November 2025. “Brody George is a tenacious, competitive player with a relentless motor who really impressed our staff throughout the evaluation process. Brody’s experience with the USNTDP over the past two years will help him transition smoothly into the OHL and adjust quickly to the demands of our league.” – Greg Hammell, Head Scout   Player Spotlight: Brady Knowling Profile: 6’5”, 205lbs, goaltender Hometown: Toronto, ON Birthdate: Mar 9, 2008 Drafted: 3rd Round, 60th Overall (2024 OHL Priority Selection) 2025-26 Stats (U.S. National U18 Team): 33 GP, 3.56 GAA, .880 SV% Selected 60th overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Brady Knowling joins the Spirit following two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program. The 6-foot-5 Toronto native posted a 15-13-3-1 record with a 3.51 goals-against average and .883 save percentage with the U18 team last season. Knowling has also built an extensive international résumé with Team USA. He helped the Americans capture gold at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, posting four wins alongside a 2.35 goals-against average and .914 save percentage, and was later part of the U.S. roster at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. At the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, Knowling made 42 saves to backstop Team USA to a 4-2 victory in the opening game and earned Player of the Game honours. Ranked as the No. 1 North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting, Knowling was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fourth round, 127th overall, of the 2026 NHL Draft. “Brady brings a very strong pedigree as a goaltender to our team and will strengthen our crease. He brings great size, athleticism, and overall skill, and we’re excited to help him continue building on his abilities and development here in Saginaw.” – Kevin Delemarter, Goaltending Coach   Player Spotlight: Tyler Martyniuk Profile: 6’1”, 192lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: Washington Township, MI Birthdate: Dec 31, 2008 Drafted: 6th Round, 117th Overall (2024 OHL Priority Selection)  2025-26 Stats (U.S. National U18 Team): 58 GP, 2G, 9A, 11 PTS Selected 117th overall in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Tyler Martyniuk spent the past two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program. The Washington Township native recorded 11 points (2-9–11) during the 2025-26 campaign before representing Team USA at the IIHF U18 World Championship, where he collected three assists in four games. “Tyler is a player we really felt would be a great fit in our system dating back to his days with Honeybaked. We believe his game will flourish here in Saginaw, and that he is still just scratching the surface of his potential as a high-end two-way defenseman. We could not be more excited as an organization to have Tyler as part of the Spirit family and look forward to seeing him with our group at training camp in August.” – Dave Drinkill, General Manager   Player Spotlight: Kade Meyer Profile: 5’9”, 181lbs, left-shot defenceman Hometown: Minocqua, WI Birthdate: Nov 5, 2008 Signed (FA): May 15, 2026  2025-26 Stats (Waterloo Black Hawks): 22 GP, 1G, 4A, 5 PTS Signed by the Spirit as a free agent in May, Kade Meyer split the 2025-26 season between the NAHL’s Janesville Jets and USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks, recording five points with each club. The Minocqua native also brings international experience to Saginaw, having helped Team USA capture gold at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup alongside Spirit players Levi Harper and Nikita Klepov. “Kade caught our eye last summer while playing for Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He is a very strong, competitive player who plays the game hard with a compete level that you can’t teach. Kade skates extremely well, is highly mobile, and has the ability to transport pucks up the ice with confidence. We’re excited that the Meyer family chose Saginaw out of all their options for next season, and we can’t wait to see Kade on the ice.” – Dave Drinkill, General Manager   With a 2026 draft class highlighted by high-end skill, international additions and depth across multiple positions, the Spirit have continued to add to their prospect pipeline ahead of the new season. Combined with a group of incoming players bringing experience and international competition, Saginaw will have plenty of new faces looking to make an impact when training camp gets underway.   _____________________________________________________________________________________ FloHockey remains the exclusive streaming home of the Ontario Hockey League, delivering more than 680 regular-season games throughout the year, plus complete coverage of the OHL playoffs. Subscribers can stream games live or watch on demand from anywhere, ensuring they never miss a goal, save, or highlight during the 2026-27 season.  Whether you’re following your hometown team or tracking prospects across the league, FloHockey provides comprehensive coverage of every OHL club all season long.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/saginaw-spirit-charitable-foundation-raised-over-668000-in-2025-2026-season Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:54:32 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/saginaw-spirit-charitable-foundation-raised-over-668000-in-2025-2026-season Saginaw, Mich. – Through its various jersey auctions, fundraising tickets, 50/50 sales and other endeavors, the Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation raised $668,192 benefiting nonprofit organizations of the Great Lakes Bay Region during the 2025-2026 season.   “For 25 seasons, the Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation has been a pillar of hope for many of our region’s charities,” said President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin. “Partnering with the community is part of our mission statement. I’m very proud of our staff, players, fans and ownership as they all work together to create amazing positive results in making Saginaw and the Great Lakes Bay Region better tomorrow than we are today.”   Leading the way was the 14th annual Hockey for the Homeless Night with the Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan. Through donations from fans, the pregame broomball tournament, and specialty jersey auction, the event raised $113,090. The event’s total impact dating all the way back its inception has now surpassed $780,000, equating to approximately 26,000 nights of shelter.   The 18th annual Shocks and Saves charity game, in conjunction with Central Michigan University and the Pulse3 Endowment, raised $52,730 in the promotion of heart health awareness and the implementation of automated external defibrillators (AED’s) in the surrounding communities.   From 50/50 drawings during the team’s 36 regular season and playoff home games, the Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation sent $204,830 to local charitable institutions, and an additional $28,650 from cash donations.   The Spirit also awarded $15,000 in scholarships through the Charitable Foundation via their Huntington Youth Hockey Scholarship and Memorial Cup Legacy Scholarship programs.   Additional funds were raised through specialty nights such as Go Gus Go, raising awareness for children with Angelman syndrome, First Responders Night, and Superhero Night with the CAN (Child Abuse and Neglect) Council.   Saginaw’s 2026 preseason begins Friday, August 28th as they embark on a trip to play the Newfoundland Regiment of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The Spirit being their 25th regular season on Friday, September 18th in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. against the Soo Greyhounds.   The team’s 2026 home opener comes on Saturday, September 19th when they host the Flint Firebirds at 7:05pm at the Dow Event Center. Single game tickets go on sale Monday, August 17th at 9:00am.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/brendan-taylor-named-saginaw-spirit-head-coach Wed, 29 Jul 2026 13:00:57 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/brendan-taylor-named-saginaw-spirit-head-coach Saginaw, Mich. – The Saginaw Spirit have hired Brendan Taylor as the 11th head coach in team history, General Manager Dave Drinkill announced Wednesday.   “I want to start by welcoming Brendan to Saginaw,” said Drinkill. “He has earned this opportunity through his work ethic and a commitment to hockey. Brendan has worked his way up every step of the coaching ladder – nothing has been handed to him. He’s put in the time, continued to grow, and consistently proven himself by developing top-end NHL talent.”   Taylor, 37, arrives in Saginaw with ten years of coaching experience in the Ontario Hockey League. Most recently, he spent four seasons as an assistant coach with the Soo Greyhounds. Taylor helped guide the Greyhounds to three straight playoff appearances from 2024 to 2026.  He brought gold to Canada in 2025, serving as an assistant coach for Team Canada Red at the U17 World Hockey Challenge along with Drinkill, who was Team Canada Red’s director of operations.   “It was a privilege to work alongside Brendan with Hockey Canada and to win together,” said Drinkill. “That gave me a firsthand look at how he leads, prepares, and conducts himself every day. Players respect him because he’s genuine, he’s demanding, and he invests in their development. It stood out to me throughout this process how closely his vision aligns with ours when it comes to developing players and how we want to play the game.”   Prior to joining the Greyhounds, the Oakville, Ontario native was an assistant coach with the Mississauga Steelheads for five seasons (2017-2022). Taylor joined the Steelheads for the 2016-2017 season as a video coach.   In nine seasons as an assistant coach in the OHL, Taylor has aided in the development of more than 30 NHL drafted or signed players between the Steelheads and Greyhounds. In 2026 alone, the Greyhounds saw four players picked in the NHL Draft, including defenseman Chase Reid to the Seattle Kraken at seventh overall.   “On behalf of Dick Garber, we are thrilled to welcome Brendan to the Saginaw Spirit family,” said President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin. “He’s demonstrated throughout his career great coaching ability and high character, plus he’s a Spirit alumnus. His daily focus on developing elite student athletes into successful people on and off the ice makes him a great addition to the Spirit family. Brendan’s success and congruency with GM Dave Drinkill will make them a very strong leadership team for our players, all stakeholders, and overall hockey operations success.”   Taylor’s coaching career officially began in 2014 when he was announced as an assistant coach for the Jr. A Oakville Blades of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). He spent two seasons with the Blades before breaking into the OHL with Mississauga.   "I'm very excited to take the head coaching position here in Saginaw," said Taylor. "I've enjoyed getting to know the organization throughout this process. I'm excited to get to know the city and our fan base, and to get started with a really talented group of players."   Taylor’s position in Saginaw is somewhat of a homecoming. In his playing days, he appeared in 30 games as a forward for the Spirit during the 2007-2008 season, making him the first Spirit alum to serve as the team’s head coach. Taylor’s 120-game OHL career also saw stops with the Peterborough Petes and Belleville Bulls.   An introductory press conference for Saginaw’s new head coach is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th at 3pm at the Dow Event Center (303 Johnson St.). The press conference will be open to the public.   Brendan Taylor’s arrival in Saginaw is dependent on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/dima-zhilkin-brady-knowling-set-to-attend-world-junior-summer-showcase-in-windsor Fri, 24 Jul 2026 17:00:22 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/dima-zhilkin-brady-knowling-set-to-attend-world-junior-summer-showcase-in-windsor Windsor, Ont. – A pair of Saginaw Spirit players will join their respective countries’ World Junior Summer Showcase roster this weekend. The 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase is set for July 26-Aug 1, 2026 at the WFCU Centre. Goaltender Brady Knowling will join Team USA, while Hockey Canada announced forward Dima Zhilkin to its roster of camp participants on Friday afternoon.   The 2008-born Zhilkin is entering his third season with the Spirit. A native of Windsor, Zhilkin was named the 27th captain in team history last year. He posted career-highs across the board with 36G-39A—75P in 59 games played during the 2025-2026 season, in addition to three goals and an assist in four playoff games.   Zhilkin joined Canada for the 2026 U18 World Championships this spring, where he registered five goals and two assists in just five games to lead his team in goals and points. He first represented his country at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, with three goals in five games enroute to a bronze medal. Zhilkin is considered a top prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft.   The Spirit signed dual-citizen goaltender Brady Knowling earlier this summer after he spent two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program. Knowling was originally drafted by Saginaw in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection (3rd round, 60th overall). He posted a 15-13-3-1 record in 2025-26 with a 3.51 GAA and .883 SV% with the NTDP’s U18 team in 2025-26.   Knowling led Team USA to a Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal in 2025 with four wins, a 2.35 GAA and .914 SV%. He was also a part of Team USA’s IIHF World Junior Championship team in January of 2026.   Team USA begins its World Junior Summer Showcase schedule with a split-squad set of games on July 26. Team USA White plays Finland at 12:00pm, while Team USA Blue plays Sweden at 4:00pm.   Team Canada will practice July 27 and 28 before taking on Sweden on July 29, Finland on July 30 and the United States on Aug. 1.   Tickets for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase are on sale now starting at $18 plus applicable fees. Full event packages and team-specific ticket packages can also be purchased. Visit HockeyCanada.ca/Tickets for more information.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/spirit-hire-tera-szeliga-as-director-of-sales-and-public-relations Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:00:24 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/spirit-hire-tera-szeliga-as-director-of-sales-and-public-relations Saginaw, Mich. – The Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club is pleased to announce the hiring of Tera Szeliga as its director of sales and public relations. Szeliga brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, community engagement, and partnership development across the Great Lakes Bay Region.   “It is an absolute honor to welcome Tera Szeliga into the Saginaw Spirit Family as our director of sales and public relations,” said Team President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin. “Tera’s background in building up the Great Lakes Bay Region’s community makes her a perfect fit for the Spirit. Her family values alongside husband Martin and kids exemplify our “why,” and add to the focus on high-energy family entertainment for which this team has become synonymous. Tera’s role will focused on selling tickets, suites, and sponsorships, along with expanding on the Sprit’s public relations and community outreach.”   Szeliga comes to the Spirit after seven years at the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, serving most recently as its director of marketing and communications. Much of her work has been in building connections among businesses, schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations, while creating impactful programs and community-focused initiatives.   Prior to her time with the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, Szeliga served in leadership roles with United Way of Bay County and General Motors. She is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University and an active volunteer and community advocate.   Szeliga resides in Pinconning with her husband, Martin, and their three children, Raven, Max, and Josie.  ]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/spirit-head-coach-chris-lazary-departs-to-pursue-further-opportunities Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:00:50 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/spirit-head-coach-chris-lazary-departs-to-pursue-further-opportunities Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced Wednesday afternoon that Head Coach Chris Lazary will be departing the organization for another coaching opportunity.   “First off, I want to thank Chris for putting everything he had into our organization since his hiring in 2016,” said Drinkill. “He has done an outstanding job developing young talent, creating a culture of winning, and helping to build this organization into one of the premier programs in junior hockey. I look forward to watching Chris start the next chapter of his coaching career and wish him nothing but the best. He will be missed tremendously here in Saginaw, but we will continue to build on our success from the last eight years.”   Lazary had been with the organization since the 2016-17 season, when he joined as an associate coach. He spent eight seasons as the tenth head coach in franchise history after being promoted in November of 2018. Three of Saginaw’s West Division titles (2019, 2020, 2024) came under Lazary’s tenure, as well as two trips to the Western Conference Final and the team’s 2024 Memorial Cup Championship. A 50-win, 102-point regular season in 2023-2024 (50-16-1-1) was the team’s best to date.   “On behalf of Dick Garber and the Saginaw Spirit staff, we are forever grateful to Chris Lazary for his eight seasons as our head coach,” said President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin. “His commitment to excellence, resilience, and work ethic are the values that have made him an exceptional coach.  We wish Chris, his wife Jackie, and their children all the best in their new home.  Chris and the entire Lazary family will always be a major ingredient to the fabric of the 2024 Memorial Cup Championship and the Spirit Family.”   In his time behind the Spirit bench, Lazary established a new franchise record for coaching wins at 249. He guided the Spirit through 507 regular season, playoff, and Memorial Cup games, and is the organization’s longest-tenured head coach. Lazary concludes his time in Saginaw with a regular season record of 249-171-16-12.   The Spirit won five playoff series during Lazary’s time in Saginaw and had a postseason record of 26-28. Their tournament record during their 2024 Memorial Cup Championship was 4-1, including round robin, semi-final, and championship games.   “The past ten years with the Saginaw Spirit have been the most rewarding of my coaching career,” said Lazary. “I want to thank Dick Garber, Craig Goslin, Brandon Bordeaux, Dave Drinkill, Brian Prout, our players, staff, billets, and the incredible fans for believing in me and supporting our vision. Together, we built something I’m incredibly proud of, culminating in a Memorial Cup Championship and the development of so many outstanding young men. Accepting this new opportunity was an incredibly difficult decision because of what Saginaw means to me and my family. It is a unique opportunity for continued growth, but Saginaw will hold a special place in my heart. I will always be grateful to have been a part of this remarkable organization.”   Since his first season as head coach in 2018-19, 18 players have gone on to be selected in the NHL Draft from Lazary’s Spirit teams. Five of those players, including Nikita Klepov in 2026 (15th overall, Anaheim), were top-15 picks. Under the guidance of Lazary, this gives Saginaw the most players selected in that range from any CHL team since 2020.   The organization will begin the search for Saginaw’s next head coach immediately.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/forward-alexander-milojevic-signs-scholarship-and-development-agreement-with-saginaw-spirit Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:00:23 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/forward-alexander-milojevic-signs-scholarship-and-development-agreement-with-saginaw-spirit Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced Thursday morning that the team has signed left-shot forward Alexander Milojevic (MY-lo-JEV-ik) to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Milojevic stands at 6’, 185lbs and was originally drafted by the Spirit in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection (4th round, 73rd overall). “We are extremely excited to be able to add another elite young player to our strong group here in Saginaw,” said Drinkill. “Alexander can change the game very quickly, using game-breaking speed and skill to dictate the outcomes he wants in the offensive zone. During his draft year, he was widely regarded as one of the top U.S. players in his age group, and we can’t wait to build on his already strong foundation. Alexander is a high-end young hockey player, and I want to thank the Milojevic family for putting their trust in us when it comes to developing him during his next chapter.” The 16-year-old Milojevic spent almost all of last season with the U.S. National Team Development Program’s U17 team, recording 15 points (8G-7A) in 47 games. Milojevic also suited up for one game with the NTDP’s U18 team. From Chicago, Illinois, Milojevic spent his minor hockey with the Chicago Mission 15U AAA team. His 101 points (61A-40A) in 2024-2025 were the most in a single by a Mission 15U player. He scored a pair of goals for the Mission in four games at US 15U Nationals and 4G-1A—5P in four games at USA Hockey’s Boys National 15 Player Development Camp that summer. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the chance to play for such an amazing coaching staff and organization,” said Milojevic. “It was truly an honor to hear my name called by Saginaw in last year’s draft, and I’m thankful for the belief they’ve shown me from the very beginning. I can’t wait to get to work, continue growing as a player and person, and become part of the Saginaw community. I’m excited to represent this organization and give everything I have each time I step on the ice.” Milojevic will wear uniform number 93 with the Spirit in 2026-2027.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/spirit-sign-import-forward-dmitry-savin-to-standard-player-agreement Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:00:39 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/spirit-sign-import-forward-dmitry-savin-to-standard-player-agreement Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced Wednesday that the team has signed forward Dmitry Savin (SAVV-in), selected 31st overall in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. “Dmitry is a very talented two-way center,” said Drinkill. “We admire the attention to detail in all aspects of his game, especially given how young he is. He’ll fit right in with the rest of our skilled young players and we’re so happy to be able to sign him.” From Novosibirsk, Russia, Savin spent the 2025-2026 season with CSKA Moskva. The 17-year-old split his season between the U17 and U18 teams, dominating at both levels. Most of Savin’s season was played with the U17’s, where he recorded 59 points (29G-30A) in 32 regular season games. He was tied for the team lead in goals and points, while finishing second in assists. Savin joined defenseman Gordei Khotkov on the CSKA Moskva U17 team as his fellow would-be Spirit import draftee. With CSKA Moscow’s U18’s, Savin finished third in team scoring with 43 points (24G-19A) in just 19 games. His points per game average improved from 1.84 with his age group to 2.26 when he began to play up a year. He also appeared in one game with Krasnaya Armiya Moskva of the MHL (Junior Hockey League). Savin saw action in the Russian Finals with both the U17 and U18 teams. He had 12 points (7G-5A) in seven games with the U17’s, and 12 points (6G-6A) in eight games with the U18’s. Savin also recorded 3G-7A—10P in four games with Gold Star Hockey at the Andrews International U18 Showcase. Dmitry Savin’s arrival in Saginaw is dependent on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services approval.]]> https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/saginaws-drew-bate-kyler-lauder-named-to-canadas-national-under-17-development-camp Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:00:39 +0000 Joey Battaino https://chl.ca/ohl-spirit/article/saginaws-drew-bate-kyler-lauder-named-to-canadas-national-under-17-development-camp Calgary, AB – Hockey Canada announced Tuesday its roster for their national under-17 development camp, taking place in Oakville, Ont. from July 17-21. The 2026 U17 World Challenge will be held in Oakville from Nov. 1-7. Incoming Spirit rookie forwards Drew Bate and Kyler Lauder were each named to Canada’s development camp roster. Drew Bate was Saginaw’s first pick of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection at 6th overall. He led the ALLIANCE U16 AAA circuit in scoring with 72 points (34G-38A) in just 27 games with the London Jr. Knights before being named the 2026 ALLIANCE Player of the Year. Bate added 7G-14A—21P in eight playoff games with the Knights and helped them to an OHL Cup semi-final appearance. He had the second-most points at the 2026 OHL Cup with 13 (7G-6A), and was tied for the tournament goal-scoring lead. Kyler Lauder was a second-round selection by the Spirit (24th overall) in 2026 after leading the OMHA in scoring. He was named the OMHA East U16 AAA Player of the Year after a 69-point season (35G-34A) through 32 games with the Central Ontario Wolves. Lauder added 7G-9A—16P in ten playoff games with Central Ontario. Bate and Lauder will join Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill in Oakville, who is serving as a director of operations for Team Canada Red.]]>