Spirit acquire Lightning prospect Ethan Hay
The Saginaw Spirit made a splash on Wednesday morning, announcing the acquisition of centreman Ethan Hay from the rival Flint Firebirds.
The Spirit received Hay, a seventh-round NHL Draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning this past summer, along with Sarnia’s sixth-round pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection in exchange for six draft picks. The Firebirds part ways with a fan favourite in Flint, but receive second-round picks in 2024 and 2027 (Kitchener’s), third-round picks in 2024 (North Bay’s) and 2026 (Barrie’s), a seventh-round pick in 2025 (Sarnia’s) and fifth-round pick in 2027.
An 18-year-old from Waterloo, Ont., Hay has two goals and an assist in nine games with the Firebirds this season.
“We are thrilled to add Ethan Hay to an already talented group here in Saginaw today,” said Spirit general manager Dave Drinkill. “We’ve obviously seen a lot of his play in the past few seasons, and his performance in last year’s playoffs made a lasting impression.
“Ethan’s scoring ability and edge make him an impact player every night,” Drinkill continued. “We wanted a competitor who is exhausting to play against, and we’ve seen first-hand that he fits that description perfectly. Bringing in an NHL-drafted player gives us yet another strong voice in the room, and we’re excited to see him in action this weekend.”
A former third-round pick by the Firebirds in 2021, Hay was a co-recipient of the OHL’s Ivan Tennant Memorial Award presented to the league’s top academic high school student last year. He’s gradually developed into one of the top two-way centremen in the OHL, excelling in the faceoff circle and providing a valuable presence on the penalty kill. Through his 132 regular season games in Flint, Hay registered 27 goals, 23 assists and 50 points. He added eight points in 26 outings during the OHL Playoffs over the past two seasons.
“Ethan came to us and expressed his desire for a change of scenery, thinking it would be in his best interest,” said Firebirds general manager Dave McParlan of the move. “While it’s always hard to see a good player and teammate exit, we are understanding of his wishes. The pile of assets we received in the deal puts us in a strong position as we look to build a championship-contending team this season.
“We would like to thank Ethan for everything he has done for our organization.”
The Spirit, who will host the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow next spring, are at home this weekend, hosting the Soo Greyhounds and Sarnia Sting on Friday and Saturday before Hay will square-off against his former Firebirds teammates on Sunday in Flint.
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