Latest news with #SaginawSpirit
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Spotlight on Michael Misa as Saginaw Spirit forward emerges as elite playmaker ahead of 2025 NHL Draft
Michael Misa (via Getty Images) Michael Misa, an explosive center for the Ontario Hockey League's Saginaw Spirit, is rapidly making a name for himself as the 2025 NHL Draft's best prospect. His spectacular skating, phenomenal hockey IQ, and historically high level of offense make him a unanimous No. 1 overall pick candidate — especially for a team like the New York Islanders, which is in desperate need of a play-changing forward. Michael Misa provides Islanders, Sharks, or Blackhawks with premium-level offensive firepower Is Michael Misa an obvious pick for Sharks at No. 2 overall? With a resume already distinguishing himself as an exceptional status, OHL scoring titles, and a Memorial Cup championship, Michael Misa delivers more than potential — he delivers proven output. The 17-year-old winger recorded 134 points as a member of the Saginaw Spirit last season, pacing the league and tying with John Tavares for the most under-18 point total in the OHL since 2000. That combination of output and genealogy is the reason why teams like the New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks, and Chicago Blackhawks are keeping tabs. For a franchise such as the Islanders, which does not have top-end offensive prospects beyond Calum Ritchie and Cole Eiserman currently, Michael Misa would become an instant centerpiece of their rebuild. His skating and vision could pair with star forward Mathew Barzal and bring much-needed imagination to New York's locked-up forward corps. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Quando o fungo nas unhas não melhora, faça isso em casa (incrível) Acabe com os Fungo Undo Michael Misa is only the eighth player in OHL history to have been given exceptional status, which is bestowed upon players deemed ready to play at the major junior level a year ahead of schedule. Other names to have earned that moniker include Connor McDavid, John Tavares, and Aaron Ekblad — all eventual first-overall NHL draft picks. Although Misa has had a few injury setbacks on his path, he has always provided top-level production, with a full-range offensive arsenal and excellent leadership skills. In 2022–23, Misa fought through injury to pace Saginaw in points at age 15. He took his game up another notch the next season with 75 points in 65 games. This season, he dominated completely, finishing 10 points ahead of the next-best OHL scorer and helping the Spirit charge to a Memorial Cup title. A game-changing center with NHL first-line potential Misa's recent center success has drawn scouts from all around the league. Most young forwards spend years jumping between wing and center, but Misa thrived in the middle this season, playing with elite edge work, effortless puck control, and an ability to create controlled zone entries with ease. Experts such as Scott Wheeler and Corey Pronman of The Athletic call him a dynamic skater with misleading explosiveness, premium-level creativity, and the kind of potential to be a legitimate No. 1 center in the NHL. Why is Michael Misa such an asset to struggling NHL teams? The New York Islanders' offense has lacked consistency behind Mathew Barzal. Michael Misa would provide them with a ready-made scoring dynamo who could be the start of a new era for the franchise. The San Jose Sharks, already having Macklin Celebrini, could pair Misa with last year's No. 1 pick to create a frightening 1-2 center combination for the future. And for the Chicago Blackhawks, getting the playmaking minds around Connor Bedard is a priority. Having accumulated defensemen in recent drafts, Chicago could see Misa as the missing ingredient to unleash the maximum potential of Bedard. Also read: The Mock Draft of 2025: Matthew Schaefer, Michael Misa top first-round predictions With comparisons to NHL stars and the stats to support them, Misa is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to alter the course of an NHL team on Day 1. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kristian Epperson Commits To Denver
Saginaw Spirit forward Kristian Epperson has committed to Denver, it was announced on Saturday. A native of Mequon, Wisc., Epperson scored 27 goals and recorded 53 assists in his lone OHL season with the Spirit. Epperson is eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and is ranked as the 47th best North American skater in NHL Central Scouting's final draft rankings. A 2006-born skater, Epperson will make the jump to the NCAA and join the Pioneers for the 2025-26 season. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' NCAA Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michael Misa Named 2024-25 OHL Most Outstanding Player
Earlier today, the OHL announced that Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa is the 202-25 winner of the Red Tilson Trophy, which is awarded annually to the OHL's Most Outstanding Player as voted by accredited members of the media. "I am honoured to receive the Red Tilson Trophy," said Misa. "None of this would be possible without the hard work of my teammates, the dedication of my coaches and support staff or the support of my family." Misa, who is eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft, just finished his third season playing for the Saginaw Spirit after being selected first overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. At the time of the selection, Misa was 14 years old, making him the sixth player in OHL history to be granted exceptional status. This year, Misa captained the Spirit and led all CHL players in points scoring 62 goals and a total of 134 points in 65 games. He finished second amongst OHL players in goals, trailing only Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Lardis, while coming fourth in assists. 2025 #OHLAwards 🏆Top #NHLDraft prospect Michael Misa of @SpiritHockey is this year's recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy, presented annually to the #OHL's Most Outstanding Player as voted by the League's accredited writers and 📰: — Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 12, 2025 From the end of December through the beginning of March, Misa went on a 28-game point streak during which he scored a jaw-dropping 63 points. "In my mind, it was never in doubt that Michael was the most outstanding player in our league this season," said Saginaw GM Dave Drinkill. "He carried our team on his back when we needed him the most and we're so proud of him." The majority of the media who were allowed to vote for the recipient of the Red Tilson Trophy agreed with Drinkill's assessment. Misa was by far the frontrunner in terms of voting, getting 50 percent of the total votes, followed by Nick Lardis, who received 26 percent of the votes. Can This Maple Leafs' Prospect Become The Highest-Scoring Player In OHL Playoffs History? Those familiar with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan know he has a long list of accolades attached to his name. Just last year, he won the OHL Most Outstanding Player (Red Tilson Award) and the OHL Playoffs MVP (Wayne Gretzky 99 Award). There were many games this season where Misa was a difference maker for the retooling Saginaw Spirit. He scored three-plus points in a single game 19 times this season and was held off the scoreboard in just five games. The Spirit could consistently rely on him to contribute offensively and help the team pick up points. Being recognized as the most outstanding player in the OHL is a prestigious thing for anyone, but winning it at such a young age is all the more impressive. All three of the previous winners (Easton Cowan, Matthew Maggio and Wyatt Johnston) took home the trophy after being drafted into the NHL. Misa is a special player, as shown by his individual and team accomplishments. He is considered to be a top-five pick by the vast majority of draft analysts and was ranked second amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He is expected to go very early at the 2025 NHL Draft.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ethan Hay Commits To Miami
Kingston Frontenacs forward Ethan Hay has committed to Miami, it was announced on Wednesday. A native of Waterloo, ON, Hay scored 13 goals and recorded 18 assists in 62 regular season games between the Frontenacs and the Saginaw Spirit this past season. Hay was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round, 211th overall, in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. A 2005-born skater, Hay will make the jump and join the RedHawks for the 2025-26 season and provide depth to Miami's forward group. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' NCAA Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
New York Post
07-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Inside look at top three prospects Islanders could choose in NHL draft
Breaking down the likely top three picks the Islanders, who have the No. 1 pick, will have to choose from in the 2025 NHL Draft: Matthew Schaefer Height: 6-foot-2 | Weight: 183 pounds Advertisement Position: Defense | Shoots: Left Team: Erie Otters (OHL) Stats: 7 goals, 15 assists (17 games played) The skinny: Schaefer missed the start of the season with mononucleosis and then broke his collarbone at World Juniors, but rose to the top of draft boards anyway with an excellent season when he did play. Advertisement 3 Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters looks on during an OHL game against the Saginaw Spirit. Getty Images He made the cutoff for the 2025 draft by just 10 days, so is one of the youngest available prospects and can skate like the wind. Schaefer is a two-way D who can move the puck at an elite level and make plays offensively. Michael Misa Advertisement Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 185 pounds Position: Center | Shoots: Left Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL) Stats: 62 goals, 72 assists (65 games played) Advertisement 3 Michael Misa of the Saginaw Spirit looks on during an OHL game against the Kitchener Rangers. Getty Images The skinny: Misa, who gained exceptional status to join the OHL at age 15, rose up draft boards this season after moving from wing to center. He's an excellent skater and playmaker with the best shot of anyone in the top tier of this draft. His two-way game also looks solid for a young player, with a strong checking game and hockey IQ. James Hagens Height: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 176 pounds Position: Center | Shoots: Left Team: Boston College (NCAA) Stats: 11 goals, 26 assists, 37 games Advertisement 3 James Hagens skates with the puck during Team USA's 4-3 loss to Team Finland in the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship at Canadian Tire Centre on Dec. 29, 2024 in Ottawa. Getty Images The skinny: If the Islanders draft Hagens, it will be a homecoming story — the 18-year-old grew up in Hauppauge as a die-hard Islanders fan and would surely love nothing more than to make his debut at UBS Arena. The industry, however, currently sees him as a step behind Schaefer and Misa in the race for No. 1. Hagens might be the best passer and playmaker in the draft and can skate with anyone, but there are some questions about his scoring.
