(Saginaw, MI) The Saginaw Spirit lost to the London Knights 5-2 Saturday night in what was also the eighth annual Meijer Teddy Bear Toss Celebration over 775 teddy bears were thrown onto the ice for charity after a goal from Tyler Murovich in the first period. Spirit winger Joe Pleckaitis also tallied a Spirit goal in the effort, earning the games second star honors, while defenseman Joe Underwood posted two assists. The loss moves Saginaws record to 16-12-2-0 and 32 points.
London winger Leigh Salters led the scoring in the first period, notching a goal at 16:31 that was assisted by center Jared Knight and defenseman Kalle Ekelund. The Saginaw Spirit returned fire late in the period with a shorthanded goal scored by center Tyler Murovich, assisted by center Vince Trocheck and defenseman Joe Underwood, which came at the 19:48 mark. The Spirit goal triggered the Meijer Teddy Bear Toss, which saw fans throw over 775 teddy bears onto the ice for charity.
The Knights took the lead in the second period when defenseman Steven Tarasuk found the net at the 5:36 mark, courtesy an assist from center Michael MacDonald. Center Nazem Kadri (NHL TORONTO MAPLELEAFS) extended the Knights lead, scoring an unassisted goal at 9:49 into the period. Tallying his second goal for the Knights, Kadri added a powerplay goal at 14:27 in the second. Assists on the goal came from centers Jared Knight and Philip McRae (NHL ST. LOUIS BLUES). The second period ended with the Knights ahead 4-1.
London continued their scoring ways, as Jared Knight scored a powerplay goal at 2:13 courtesy assists from Tarasuk and Salters. The Spirit would answer late in the third with a powerplay goal from winger Joe Pleckaitis at the 10-:06 mark that was assisted by Underwood and defenseman Brad Walch. Despite the concerted effort, the Knights took home two points following the 5-2 regulation decision.
Spirit goaltender Edward Pasquale (NHL ATLANTA THRASHERS) posted 32 saves on 37 shots, while London goalie Michael Hutchinson (NHL BOSTON BRUINS) finished with 31 saves on 33 shots.
For the official OHL game sheet, please visit www.ontariohockeyleague.com.
Applebees Neighborhood Grill and Bar Three Stars of the Game*:
1. Jared Knight (LDN)
2. Joe Pleckaitis (SAG)
3. Nazem Kadri (LDN)
*As denoted by the official OHL game sheet.
Duration : 0:4:25
[youtube vGSQO4ymY3E]
March 13th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
lol @ the player …
lol @ the player who gets angry after the goal and whacks the teddy bear with his stick.
March 13th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Rinaldooooooo
Rinaldooooooo
March 13th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Kadri is a beast
Kadri is a beast