2026-08-12
Spirit announce updates, returners to hockey operations staff -
saginawspirit.com
2026-08-11
Spirit announce additions, returning members of hockey operations staff -
Saginaw adds Aron Augustitus and Josh Romano while Saverio Posa returns with an expanded role on Brendan Taylor's staff.
ontariohockeyleague.com
Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation raised over $668,000 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 t
ontariohockeyleague.com
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.... - OHL Saginaw Spirit
oursportscentral.com
Another OHL first-rounder for Flyers? Klepov, with 97 points, has tons of appeal -
For the first time in a while, the Flyers are coming off a playoff run.That, of course, makes life a little different for the club’s amateur scouting staff leading up to the 2026 NHL draft. Barring a trade, the Flyers will pick at 21st overall. It’s their lowest first-round spot since 2020.But that was when the Flyers drafted a foundation piece,
nbcsportsphiladelphia.com
Futures Watch: Saginaw Spirit’s 2026 Draft Class and New Faces -
A closer look at the Saginaw Spirit’s 2026 draft class and new faces set to join the organization ahead of the 2026-27 OHL season.
saginawspirit.com
Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation raised over $668,000 in 2025-2026 season -
saginawspirit.com
2026-08-10
Futures Watch: Saginaw Spirit's 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... - OHL Saginaw Spirit
oursportscentral.com
15 OHL players included on Scott Wheeler’s 2027 NHL Draft Preseason Rankings -
Following the conclusion of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, one of the first major international showcases of the 2027 NHL Draft cycle, The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler has released his preseason rankings, featuring a top 32 along with 36 honourable mentions. Six OHL players cracked Wheeler’s top 32, while nine more received honourable mentions. Here’s a look at the 15 OHL players recognized: 7. Dima Zhilkin – Saginaw Spirit Hometown: Windsor, ON Drafted: 1st Round, 19th Overall (2024 OHL Priority Selection) Profile: 5-foot-10, 185lbs, left-shot winger Leading the OHL contingent is Saginaw Spirit captain Dima Zhilkin, who has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic and competitive forwards. The Windsor, Ont., native recorded 75 poin
ontariohockeyleague.com
Futures Watch: Saginaw Spirit’s 2026 Draft Class and New Faces -
A closer look at the Saginaw Spirit’s 2026 draft class and new faces set to join the organization ahead of the 2026-27 OHL season.
ontariohockeyleague.com
Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation Raised over $668,000 in 2025-2026 Season -
Saginaw, Mich. - Through its various jersey auctions, fundraising tickets, 50/50 sales and other endeavors, the Saginaw Spirit Charitable Foundation r... - OHL Saginaw Spirit
oursportscentral.com
2026-08-08
Saginaw’s Schmidt jumps into USA line-up in Hlinka Gretzky Cup semi-final win -
chl.ca
2026-08-07
Spirit’s Schmidt added to U.S. roster for Hlinka Gretzky Cup -
Saginaw Spirit forward Sawyer Schmidt has been added to the United States roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup ahead of Friday's semifinal against Slovakia.
ontariohockeyleague.com
2026-08-02
EXCEPTIONAL STATUS: San Jose Sharks’ Michael Misa OPENS UP on OHL & Rookie Season In NHL -
San Jose Sharks' rising star Michael Misa opens up about his whirlwind rookie year, highlighted by showdowns with NHL legends and the pressure of being an exceptional status OHL phenom. Can Misa and fellow sensation Macklin Celebrini ignite a new era and end San Jose’s playoff drought? JD Young explores Misa’s journey from Saginaw to the Sharks, his mentorship with Tyler Toffoli, and instant chemistry with Igor Chernyshov. Key insights include behind-the-scenes details on the exceptional status process, overcoming injury setbacks, and the team’s revamped culture under Mike Grier. Misa shares what it’s like to train with Celebrini in Vancouver, previews Kiefer Sherwood and Mason Marchment’s roles, and reflects on World Juniors battles—plus, who’s the biggest Star Wars superfan on the team? Sharks’ playoff ambitions are clear, but will their top young talent be enough to push them into contention? Timestamps: 00:00 Michael Misa's early career journey 04:11 Exceptional status selection
youtube.com
2026-07-31
IceDogs name new coaching staff led by Jake Grimes ahead of 2026-2027 season -
NIAGARA, ONT. – Niagara IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray announced Wednesday the club's coaching staff for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season, led by newly appointed head coach Jake Grimes. “Thank you to Dale DeGray for the opportunity, cannot wait to meet the players, staff and all of our fans across Dog Country this upcoming season,” states Grimes. Joining Grimes behind the bench are associate coach Dennis Martindale, assistant coach Jeff Wagner and returning goaltending coach Ryan Ludzik. "Jake Grimes is a coach who has had tremendous success throughout the years at various levels, including helping Saginaw win the Memorial Cup just two years ago," said DeGray. "He's a coach who knows what it takes to win while creating an environment where players want to come to the rink every day and commit to playing defence and winning hockey games. We feel very fortunate to bring a coach like Jake on board and look forward to wat
ontariohockeyleague.com
2026-07-30
Spirit sign forward Alexander Milojevic -
Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced 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. Nation
ontariohockeyleague.com
Longtime colleagues Jeff Kyrzakos and Brendan Taylor begin new chapters -
For more than a decade, Jeff Kyrzakos and Brendan Taylor have been climbing the Ontario Hockey League coaching ranks simultaneously, and now, after years of sharing a bench, developing players and discussing what the future might hold, their journeys have come full circle. On July 29, 2026, both longtime assistants were introduced as first-time OHL head coaches. Kyrzakos was promoted to lead the Kitchener Rangers while Taylor was named the 11th head coach in Saginaw Spirit history, marking a fitting milestone for two coaches whose careers have been intertwined since their days with the Mississauga Steelheads. “It's obviously really special,” said Taylor. “We spent a lot of time together talking about what this day would be like for us both, how our teams would play, and how we'd do things once we were head coaches. So for us to start our OHL coaching careers together and be named head coaches in the OHL on the same day is obviously really special for u
ontariohockeyleague.com
Brendan Taylor named Saginaw Spirit head coach -
saginawspirit.com
2026-07-29
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 direct
ontariohockeyleague.com
The Flames’ best goals of 2025-26: Zayne Parekh alludes defender and snipes it from a tough angle -
The 2025-26 season was Zayne Parekh’s first full season in the National Hockey League. It was a mixed bag, to say the least. Drafted ninth overall in 2024, he was far too good for the Ontario Hockey League, scoring back-to-back 30 goal seasons with the Saginaw Spirit, something no defenceman in the league had done…
flamesnation.ca
Trio in Soo net … Taylor has Spirit -
Soo Greyhounds will head to training camp with three goalies under Ontario Hockey League contract. Meanwhile, former Hounds assistant coach Brendan Taylor has been hired by the Saginaw Spirit as its new bench boss. Crowed Crease. Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis has confirmed to Hockey News North that the Red and White of Sault Ste. […] The post Trio in Soo net … Taylor has Spirit appeared first on .
hockeynewsnorth.com
Kitchener Rangers, Saginaw Spirit Announce Head Coaching Hires -
Jeff Kyrzakos in Kitchener and Brendan Taylor in Saginaw will each be going from assistant to head coach in their respective organizations.
sports.yahoo.com
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 Wednesda... - OHL Saginaw Spirit
oursportscentral.com
Zhilkin Called ‘the Real Deal’ at Canada’s World Juniors Camp -
Highlights Dima Zhilkin is the youngest player Canada brought to the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor The 17-year-old Saginaw captain put up 75 points in 59 OHL games and is projected to go early in the 2027 draft Read below for what Canada’s coaches and general manager are saying about him this week Canada’s […] The post Zhilkin Called ‘the Real Deal’ at Canada’s World Juniors Camp appeared first on Gino Hard.
ginohard.com
2026-07-27
Brodie retires after lengthy NHL career -
Former Saginaw Spirit and Barrie Colts defenceman TJ Brodie has recently announced his retirement from professional hockey following a 15-year NHL career. A native of Chatham, Ont. and a graduate of the Chatham-Kent Cyclones AAA program, Brodie played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League from 2006 to 2010. He began his major junior career with the Saginaw Spirit before joining the Barrie Colts, where he helped the club capture the Eastern Conference championship in 2010. Brodie went on to play 962 regular season NHL games with the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs and Chicago Blackhawks. A steady, mobile, minute-eating presence on the blue-line, he spent the bulk of his career in Calgary before returning home to Ontario with the Maple Leafs. He last skated with the Blackhawks in 2024-25.
ontariohockeyleague.com
Ducks Sign Klepov to Three-Year Entry-Level Contract -
The Ducks announced that they have signed right wing Nikita Klepov to a three-year entry-level contract. Klepov was Anaheim's first round selection (1... - OHL Saginaw Spirit
oursportscentral.com
Vasta kolmas pelaaja historiassa – NHL:n ykköskierroksen varaus teki jotain poikkeuksellista -
Leijona-tähti Mikael Granlundin Anaheim Ducks on tehnyt sopimuksen kesän kärkivarauksensa Nikita Klepovin kanssa. 18-vuotias hyökkääjä allekirjoitti kolmivuotisen tulokassopimuksen. Klepov varattiin tämän kesän varaustilaisuudessa numerolla 15. Hänen taustaltaan löytyy poikkeuksellinen saavutus juniorikiekosta. Hyökkääjä voitti viime kaudella OHL:n pistepörssin tulokkaana tehtyään Saginaw Spiritissä 97 tehopistettä. Samalla Klepov nousi erittäin harvinaiseen joukkoon. Hänestä tuli vasta kolmas pelaaja OHL:n […]
leijonauutiset.fi
2026-07-26
Ducks sign Spirit forward Nikita Klepov -
The Anaheim Ducks have signed Saginaw Spirit forward Nikita Klepov to a three-year entry-level contract. Selected 15th overall by Anaheim in the 2026 NHL Draft, Klepov enjoyed one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in Ontario Hockey League history in 2025-26. The 18-year-old led the OHL in scoring with 97 points (37-60-97) in 67 games, becoming just the third player in league history to earn both the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year and the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as the League's leading scorer in the same season, joining Patrick Kane (2006-07) and Jack Valiquette (1973-74). Klepov also became the first American-born player to capture the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy since Jason Robertson in 2018-19. Klepov was named to both the OHL First All-Star Team and First All-Rookie Team after leading all rookies in goals, assi
ontariohockeyleague.com
Anaheim iski kiinni tähtilupaukseen – Nikita Klepov teki 97 pistettä ennen sopimusta -
Anaheim Ducks on solminut kolmivuotisen tulokassopimuksen kesän 2026 ykköskierroksen varauksensa Nikita Klepovin kanssa. Sopimuksen cap hit on 1,075 miljoonaa dollaria kaudessa. 18-vuotias Klepov varattiin kesän NHL-draftissa 15. pelaajana. Hän nousi viime kaudella yhdeksi koko OHL:n kirkkaimmista tähdistä kerättyään Saginaw Spiritin paidassa peräti 97 tehopistettä (37 maalia ja 60 syöttöä), mikä riitti koko sarjan pistepörssin voittoon. […]
kiekkouutiset.fi
Anaheim Ducks iski kiinni ihmelupaukseen – toisti Patrick Kanen tempun -
Anaheim Ducks on solminut kolmen vuoden tulokassopimuksen hyökkääjälupauksensa Nikita Klepovin kanssa. Yhdysvaltalainen on NHL-seuran ykköskierroksen 15. valinta tämän kesän varaustilaisuudesta. Klepov, 18, voitti Kanadan juniorisarja OHL:n pistepörssin viime kaudella. Tulokashyökkääjä takoi 97 pistettä (37+60) Saginaw Spiritsin riveissä. Klepov voitti OHL:n vuoden tulokkaan palkinnon ja hänet valittiin sarjan tähdistöjoukkueeseen. Klepov on vasta OHL:n historian kolmas pelaaja, […]
sportti.com
Nikita Klepov (F) from Saginaw Spirit to Anaheim Ducks -
Date: 07/26/2026 Player: Nikita Klepov (F) From: Saginaw Spirit To: Anaheim Ducks Information: Entry Level Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up
eliteprospects.com
2026-07-25
Spirit sign import forward Dmitry Savin -
Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit GM Dave Drinkill has announced 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
ontariohockeyleague.com
Spirit hire Tera Szeliga as director of sales and public relations -
saginawspirit.com
Dima Zhilkin, Brady Knowling set to attend World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor -
saginawspirit.com
2026-07-24
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 Worl... - OHL Saginaw Spirit
oursportscentral.com
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. Szeli... - OHL Saginaw Spirit
oursportscentral.com
2026-07-23
Saginaw Spirit Confirm Departure Of Head Coach Chris Lazary For NCAA -
Chris Lazary has officially left the Saginaw Spirit for a new job in college hockey
sports.yahoo.com
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)
ontariohockeyleague.com
Spirit sign defenceman Gordei Khotkov -
Saginaw, MI – The Saginaw Spirit have signed Russian defenseman Gordei Khotkov (GOR-dee KAWT-kawv) to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, General Manager Dave Drinkill has announce. Khotkov was Saginaw’s first selection in the 2026 CHL Import Draft at 16th overall. “Khotkov is a player that came up on our radar a year ago,” said Drinkill. “We watched a lot of video on him and he was a big-time player of interest for us moving into the import draft. When the rules changed to allow us to draft 2010-born players, we were very excited at the chance to add him to our already impressive group. Gordei is a mobile, skilled, and smooth-skating defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice.” Khotkov is a left-shot defenseman from Yaroslavl, Russia standing at 6’5”, 210lbs. At 16 years old, he spent the 2025-2026 season playing at the U16 and U17 levels for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and CSKA Moskva. In 56 regular season and tournament games at both
ontariohockeyleague.com
Spirit Head Coach Chris Lazary departs to pursue further opportunities -
saginawspirit.com
2026-07-22
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 coa... - OHL Saginaw Spirit
oursportscentral.com
Lightning Prospect's Head Coach Leaves Junior Team -
After just one season playing under Chris Lazary with the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit, Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Stepan Shurygin will have to get used to a new voice in the locker room.
sports.yahoo.com
Sharks Prospect's Head Coach Leaves Team -
When San Jose Sharks prospect Brady Knowling decided to leave the United States National Team Development Program and join the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit, he was expecting to play for Saginaw's long-time bench boss Chris Lazary. As we all know though, the world of sports can be unpredictable, as Lazary has left the Spirit to join the University of Michigan.
sports.yahoo.com
OHL Head Coach Joins Michigan Staff -
Chris Lazary, head coach of the OHL's Saginaw Spirit since 2018, has been hired as a new assistant coach at Michigan. Lazary steps in for Rob Rassey, who left the staff earlier this month to become new head coach at Harvard.Lazary, 44, is an Ontario native, and has never coached or played in the NCAA. He was an assistant coach at York University for one season, 2012-13. Since then he has mainly been...
collegehockeynews.com
2026-07-21
Game-Winning Goals But They Get Increasingly More Clutch | OHL 2025-26 Season -
Every second counts as the clock winds down. Relive the best late third-period game-winning goals from the 2025-26 @OHL season! 00:00 - Jeremy Martin (Soo, 167 seconds) | December 12 vs. Brampton 00:30 - Adrian Manzo (North Bay, 122 seconds) | February 26 vs. Kingston 01:12 - Sam O'Reilly (Kitchener, 108 seconds) | January 18 vs. Guelph 01:54 - Owen Protz (Brantford, 99 seconds) | March 20 vs. North Bay 02:45 - Jake O'Brien (Brantford, 95 seconds) | April 22 vs. Barrie 03:20 - Alex Kostov (Flint, 91 seconds) | January 23 vs. Windsor 03:49 - Alex Misiak (Erie, 80 seconds) | December 13 vs. North Bay 05:09 - Carson Harmer (Saginaw, 75 seconds) | November 28 vs. London 05:52 - Ethan Miedema (Guelph, 72 seconds) | November 28 vs. Windsor 06:26 - Artem Gonchar (Sudbury, 67 seconds) | March 1 vs. Kingston 06:50 - Conor Walton (Windsor, 60 seconds) | April 12 vs. Flint 07:41 - Nikita Klepov (Saginaw, 53 seconds) | January 4 vs. Brampton 08:24 - Lucas Ambrosio (Erie, 48 seconds) | December 30
youtube.com
2026-07-17
Dmitri Savin (F) from CSKA Moskva U18 to Saginaw Spirit -
Date: 07/17/2026 Player: Dmitri Savin (F) From: CSKA Moskva U18 To: Saginaw Spirit Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up
eliteprospects.com
Forward Alexander Milojevic signs Scholarship and Development Agreement with Saginaw Spirit -
saginawspirit.com