Saad Named Captain of Saginaw Spirit

Press Release

The Saginaw Spirit announce today that forward Brandon Saad has been named Team Captain, and defenseman Brandon Archibald an Assistant for the 2011/12 season. This move was necessitated by the Spirit’s recent trade transactions with Barrie and Ottawa with former Captain Ryan O’Connor now with the Colts and one time Assistant John McFarland in Ottawa with the 67’s. Saad, a signed prospect of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks, has recorded 12 goals and has added 18 assists in 19 games so far this season. The Gibsonia, PA native also suited up with Team USA at the recently completed World Junior Hockey Championship posting 1-5-6 numbers in the tournament for the American squad. Archibald came to the Spirit in a midseason deal in the 2010/11 season with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds and has a goal and 10assists on the season. The Port Huron, MI native is a 4th round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, selected in the 2010 NHL Draft. The two will join fellow Assistant Captains Josh Shalla and Brad Walch as letter wearing members of the Spirit for the balance of the season.

Saginaw Spirit Head Coach Greg Gilbert talks about the appointments of Saad and Archibald. “We as a coaching staff feel that having Saad as Captain and Archibald as an Alternate Captain will bring an element of character and strength to our leadership group. Both players are solid individuals both on and off the ice and epitomize how we want our team to play and represent our organization.”

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)