Spirit owner Dick Garber inducted into Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame

Richard (Dick) Garber, owner of the Saginaw Spirit, has been officially inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2002, Garber extended his legacy beyond the automotive industry and into the realm of sports. Encouraged by hockey legend Wren Blair and former Saginaw Mayor Paul Wendler, he became the owner and Governor of an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) franchise – now known as the Saginaw Spirit. The team is currently celebrating its 23rd season at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw, Michigan.

Thanks to Garber’s leadership and the dedicated efforts of the Spirit’s front office, the franchise has thrived. Through strategic marketing and deep community engagement, the Spirit have cultivated one of the most passionate fan bases in the OHL, welcoming nearly 2.5 million spectators since their inception. The team consistently ranks among the league’s top in attendance and made history on December 29, 2013, by hosting the OHL’s first-ever outdoor game against the Windsor Spitfires.

The Spirit have also become a springboard for young hockey talent, with 29 alumni advancing to the NHL and three selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. Most recently, standout forward Michael Misa was drafted third overall this past June.

This culture of excellence led to the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) selecting Saginaw as the host city for the 2024 Memorial Cup. The Spirit rose to the occasion, capturing their first championship since relocating to Saginaw and becoming only the third American team to win the Memorial Cup in its 105-year history.

Upon receiving his Hall of Fame recognition, Garber shared, “I am truly honoured and think the Saginaw Spirit is very deserving of recognition, but others did the work to make it so successful and I know that in my heart.”

To read the full induction article, click here.