Get To Know The 2024 Memorial Cup Opponent: Saginaw Spirit
The Saginaw Spirit are the hosts of this year's Memorial Cup.
Get To Know The 2024 Memorial Cup Opponent: Saginaw SpiritWith the 2024 Memorial Cup just days away, it is time to look at the opponents the Moose Jaw Warriors will be facing. This year's group includes the Saginaw Spirit, London Knights and Drummondville Voltigeurs. To kick things off, we take a look at the Spirit who are hosting this year's event.
Saginaw had a very successful season in 2023-24, finishing second with in the OHL with 102 points and making it all the way to the Western Conference before being knocked out by the Knights. Led by Zayne Parekh, Owen Beck, Michael Misa, Hunter Haight and Josh Bloom, the Spirit are a deep team that so far is the only group to have beaten London in the postseason. Add in a solid goaltending tandem of Nolan Lalonde and Andrew Oke, and it is clear that the Spirit are ready to put on a show in front of their hometown fans.
Knowing they had an automatic berth to the Memorial Cup, Saginaw spent the season loading up with talent from across the OHL. Some of their notable moves included picking up Lalonde from Erie, Alex Christopoulos and Rodwin Dionicio from Windsor, and Jorian Donovan from Brantford. General manager Dave Drinkill also added some experience this season, trading for Owen Beck, who went to last year's Memorial Cup with the Peterborough Petes. Ultimately, Saginaw used this opportunity to build a contender and brought in not only top-end talent but also depth pieces that should help them throughout the tournament.
As for a player to watch, Joey Willis could play a vital role for the Spirit throughout the tournament. A fourth-round draft pick by the Nashville Predators in 2023, Willis is a speedy playmaker who had 11 points in 17 games during the postseason. Whether it is at even strength or on the power play, Willis can be a game-breaker if given time and space.
The Warriors will face off against the Spirit in the tournament's open game on May 24. Participating in their first Memorial Cup, Moose Jaw will be looking to bring the championship back to the WHL for the first time since 2014. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:30 pm ST, with all games available on TSN.
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