12/10/11

 Spirit Defeat Belleville 6-4 on Teddy Bear Toss Night

Tonight at The Dow Event Center was the Meijer Teddy Bear Toss!  Fans could either bring in their own teddy bear or purchase one at the atrium during pregame.  All donations will go to Saginaw area Rescue Ministries.  Tonight, the Spirit took on the Belleville Bulls at The Dow Event Center. Spirit scoring was spread out amongst five players; Vincent Trocheck, Josh Shalla, John McFarland, Brandon Saad and Garret Ross.

3:24 in the first period Belleville’s Alex Carnevale scored.  Right-winger Guillaume Naud and center Garret Hooey assisted Carnevale’s goal.  The Spirit would respond with a goal off the stick of Vincent Trocheck for the Teddy Bear Toss goal!  Left-wingers Garret Ross and Brandon Saad assisted on the shot.  The score would remain tied 1-1 heading into the second period.

Belleville would come out strong in the second period with left-winger, Danny Zharkov scoring first.  Right-winger Austin Brassard and center Brendan Gaunce would assist Zharkov’s goal.  9:06 in the period Josh Shalla would score on a power play to even the game. Belleville would again answer as center Brendan Gaunce responded to Shalla’s goal to go one-up again, 3-2.  Right-winger Austen Brassars assisted Gaunce’s goal.  The score would remain the same 3-2 heading into the third period.

In the first minute of the third period, Brandon Saad came out strong and tied the score 3-3.  O’Conner assisted Saad’s goal.  Fighting hard, Belleville’s center, Garrett Hooey would score again as the seesaw battle continued, putting Belleville back up 4-3. Center, John McFarland would score a goal of his own to once again tie the game and moments later Josh Shalla would have a backdoor shot for his second goal of the night to put the Spirit on top to stay. Garret Ross would go on to score an empty net goal to seal the win over Belleville 6-4.

For a complete game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com

Catch The Spirit!  Tomorrow is PNC Family Day!  Come out and watch your Saginaw Spirit as they take on Erie!  Tickets start at $9.50 and for all ticket information, please contact the Saginaw at 989-497-7747 or visit the Official Saginaw Spirit Ticket and Merchandise store at 5789 State Street in Saginaw.  Tickets can also be purchased at SaginawSpirit.com or any Ticket Master Outlet.