Explore the OHL: Saginaw Spirit
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. The League will showcase how current players and future prospects embrace their junior hockey careers within their respective cities, emphasizing the unique qualities that define each team and its community.
HISTORY
Saginaw, located in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, has a population of over 190,000 in its metropolitan area. The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, deep manufacturing roots, and proximity to the Saginaw River. The Saginaw Spirit joined the OHL in 2002, bringing high-level hockey excitement to the region. The team has steadily developed into a competitive force, highlighted by their 2023-2024 season when they hosted and won their first-ever Memorial Cup championship, becoming only the third American team to be crowned CHL champions.
The Saginaw Spirit’s origins trace back to St. Catharines, Ontario, where the franchise played as the Falcons, Teepees, and Black Hawks from 1943 to 1976. It won two Memorial Cup championships as the Teepees, in 1954 and 1960. In 1976, the franchise moved to Niagara Falls as the Flyers, before relocating to North Bay in 1982 and being renamed the Centennials. The team remained in North Bay until it was purchased by Dick Garber and moved to Saginaw after the 2001–02 season.
EDUCATION
The Saginaw Spirit prides itself on the education their players receive while with the club and once they graduate from the OHL. High School aged players attend Heritage High School, which is an International Baccalaureate school located in Saginaw township. College aged players have the opportunity to take classes at Saginaw Valley State University. Online classes are also available if that’s the best fit for the player.
Bobby Smith Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year)
2019-20: Cole Perfetti
PROMINANT ON-ICE OHL AWARD WINNERS
Max Kaminsky Trophy (Defenceman of the Year)
2023-24:Zayne Parekh
Emms Family Award (Rookie of the Year)
2022-23: Michael Misa
BILLET LIFE
The Saginaw Spirit is supported by 19 dedicated billet families for the 2024-25 season, with two additional families in reserve. These families reside in the Saginaw Township. Billet families play a vital role in the Spirit organization, welcoming players into their homes as members of their family and providing housing, meals, and emotional support throughout the season.
ARENA
The Dow Event Center, located in Saginaw, Michigan, is a multi-purpose indoor facility and the proud home of the Spirit. Opened in 1972 as the Saginaw Civic Center, the venue was later renamed the Saginaw County Event Center before adopting its current name. The center features several distinct spaces, including The Atrium, The Garden Room, The Theater, The Red Room, and The Arena. Jolt Credit Union Event Park, an outdoor concert stage adjacent to the facility, hosts concerts, festivals, and community events, adding to the venue’s versatility. Over the years, the Dow Event Center has also been home to various hockey teams, such as the Saginaw Lumber Kings and both versions of the Saginaw Gears (IHL and UHL), solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Saginaw’s sports and entertainment landscape.
In 2017, The Spirit broke ground on a 1,500 square foot addition and renovation to the dressing room.
NOTABLE ALUMNI
The Saginaw Spirit have produced several notable alumni who have advanced to professional hockey and achieved significant success. Standouts include two-time Stanley Cup Champion Brandon Saad, NHL All-Star Vincent Trocheck, and rising star Cole Perfetti, who has made a significant impact in the NHL with the Winnipeg Jets. Paul Bissonnette, also known as “Biz Nasty” and co-host of the immensely popular hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets, served as team captain for the Spirit before progressing to his NHL career and subsequent media success. Veteran NHL defenceman T.J. Brodie, recognized for his steady play, also honed his skills in Saginaw. Recent standout Pavel Mintyukov, a first-round NHL draft pick, is regarded as one of the league’s top defensive prospects. Additionally, Owen Tippett, celebrated for his scoring ability, has emerged as an impactful forward in the NHL.
SPECIAL SPIRIT EVENTS
The Saginaw Spirit have plenty of opportunities for team bonding throughout the season, with special events including a barbecue with billet families at the end of training camp, a preseason golf outing with the Spirit business staff, and exciting trivia nights with season ticket holders.
WHERE TO EAT
The Saginaw Spirit recommend two favorite restaurants for visitors: Harvey’s Grill and Bar (not the Canadian fast food chain!) and Timber’s. Harvey’s offers classic American comfort food with an upscale vibe, perfect for a meal after a game. Timber’s provides a rustic, cozy atmosphere with wood-fired dishes, making it a great choice for a warm dining experience.
NOTABLE LANDMARKS
Notable landmarks in the city of Saginaw include the Saginaw Children’s Zoo, Hoyt Park, Japanese Cultural Center & Gardens, Castle Museum of Saginaw County, Saginaw Art Museum, Temple Theatre, and the Children’s Museum. These attractions offer a rich blend of cultural, historical, and recreational experiences for visitors of all ages.
FUN FACT
Saginaw was established as Fort Saginaw in 1819 after a treaty with local Indigenous tribes. The fort served as a military outpost before the city grew into a major lumber town for nearly 100 years, thanks to its location along the Saginaw River. In the early 20th century, Saginaw became an automobile hotspot with the arrival of General Motors, which established several manufacturing plants. This industrial shift helped shape the city’s economy and culture, leaving a lasting legacy in Saginaw today.
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