Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

Saginaw Spirit reach third round of OHL postseason for first time in franchise history

 

By @MichaelCaples –

A historic season for the Saginaw Spirit continues on.

With a 5-0 victory over the Soo Greyhounds Sunday evening, the Spirit have advanced to the OHL’s Western Conference Championship series for the first time in franchise history.

The win was the final one needed to eliminate the Greyhounds and advance to the third round of the postseason; Saginaw had jumped out to a 3-0 series lead before the Greyhounds won Games 4 and 5.

The Spirit will now take on the winner of the London Knights vs. Guelph Storm semifinal series. If the Storm win, the Spirit will host Game 1 on Thursday night. If the Knights win, the series will start in London on Friday.

Ivan Prosvetov continued his stellar season between the pipes for the Spirit, posting a perfect 34-of-34 in Game 6 for his first career OHL postseason shutout. In 10 playoff games, he now holds a .932 save percentage, a 2.33 goals-against average and eight total wins.

Owen Tippett continues to lead the Spirit in postseason scoring; his 17 total points puts him at No. 4 overall in postseason scoring.

Red Wings prospect Brady Gilmour is second on the team with 12 points; Ryan McLeod is third with 10.

Birmingham native and NTDP alum Bode Wilde leads the Saginaw defensemen with eight points.

For highlights of the historic win, click here.