Otters deny Saginaw seventh straight win with 5-2 triumph

ERIE, PA -- The Saginaw Spirit lost to the Erie Otters 5-2 Wednesday afternoon, breaking their six game consecutive win streak. Scoring for the Spirit were Jordan Skellett and Vince Trocheck. Saginaw is 13-5-2-0 with 28 points, 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games, and sitting in third place in the OHL Western Conference.

The Otters jumped to an early 1-0 lead in the first period, with center Mike Cazzola scoring at the 5:59 mark courtesy assists from defensemen Tyler Hostetter and Mitch Gaulton. The Spirit would fire back in the second frame, with winger Jordan Skellett evening up the score with a goal at 7:08 in the period. Winger Josh Shalla and goalie Edward Pasquale assisted on the goal. A Spirit goal at the 10:54 mark from rookie Vince Trocheck, assisted by winger Joe Pleckaitis and center Barry Sanderson, would give the Spirit a 2-1 lead exiting the second period.

Despite the concerted effort, Erie would mount a counter attack with four third period goals to earn the 5-2 victory. Scoring for the Otters in the third period were Cazzola, center Greg McKegg and center Andrew Yogan, who had two goals in the effort. Former Spirit skater Zack Torquato notched two assists in the game.

Spirit goalie Edward Pasquale (NHL ATLANTA THRASHERS) would post 29 saves on 34 shots, while Otters netminder Jaroslav Janus earned 27 saves on 29 shots.

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

The Spirit resume action Thursday night in Niagara with a 7:30 PM match-up against the IceDogs, then the team returns home to host the London Knights on Saturday, November 14 at 7:11 PM. The game features the debut of the Ice Hot Girls Night Out event, presented by The Avenue Studio and Spa with support from Retail Therapy and Studio Core.

Tickets for Saturday’s game are on sale now. For more information, please contact the Official Saginaw Spirit Ticket and Merchandise Store at 5789 State Street in Saginaw or call 989-497-7747.