Latest news with #SaginawSpirit
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
"A lot to prove to myself and the world": Michael Misa redefines what dominance looks like as 2025 NHL Draft's best forward prospect
Michael Misa (via Getty Images) Michael Misa, the dynamic Oakville, Ontario, forward, has become the most well-rounded offensive tool on the board going into the 2025 NHL Draft. Following a franchise-defying year with the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League, in which he collected 134 points in only 65 games, Michael Misa is the top guy to take off the board as a forward. Saginaw Spirit's Michael Misa solidifies himself as 2025's most exciting NHL draft prospect Since the day Michael Misa received exceptional status to play in the OHL at only 15 years old, direct comparisons to legendary players Connor McDavid and John Tavares were made to him. That added pressure, though, hasn't slowed him down—it's just sped him up. His entry into the OHL was record-breaking. Michael Misa tallied 56 points in 45 games as a rookie, surpassing the points-per-game mark he posted as an underage player last season behind John Tavares. But it's his 2024-25 season that put him atop the scouting board. Posting 62 goals and 134 points—numbers no other draft-eligible OHL skater came within sight of—Michael Misa is being compared to the likes of Patrick Kane, whose draft season is the gold standard for junior offense. Is Michael Misa an obvious pick for Sharks at No. 2 overall? In contrast to most young stars, Misa's scoring outburst was not the product of flashy remodeling of his game. Rather, he doubled down on polish, developing shot control at the expense of raw power, returning to his natural center position, and enhancing his defensive effort. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo The end product? A 59-point jump from the year before and an obvious maturation into a two-way player. 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony: Michael Misa (Saginaw Spirit) 'Coming into this year, I think I had a lot to prove to myself and to the world,' Misa said at the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo earlier in June. 'I really just tried to leave everything on the ice and walk out of here with no regrets.' Also read: Chicago Blackhawks trying to steal No. 1 pick in Michael Misa draft bombshell Whether through his deceptive shot release, dynamic skating mechanics, or capacity to dictate tempo, Misa's game is constructed for sustained NHL impact, and he's well on his way to being a top-line NHL center before too long. Whether or not the New York Islanders make him the No. 1 overall pick, Misa's NHL debut seems less of an if and more of a when.
National Post
7 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
OHL pals Micahel Misa, Matthew Schaefer could be at top of NHL draft
Article content Michael Misa has intently emulated John Tavares's hockey path. Article content Misa and the Maple Leafs captain share Oakville roots, OHL exceptional player status in their early teens and dominance at centre in junior towards high selection at the National Hockey League draft. Article content Article content The 6-foot-1 Saginaw Spirit star could even follow Tavares as the first overall pick of the New York Islanders, but that's where the twain might not meet. Article content Good as Misa is, most mock drafts have 6-2 Erie defenceman Matthew Schaefer going first overall to the Island as winner of the Canadian Hockey League's top draft prospect award on Friday in Toronto, while Misa would be available to join Macklin Celebrini on the rebuilding San Jose Sharks. Chicago is picking third, followed by the Utah Mammoth at the draft June 27-28 in Los Angeles. Article content Misa accepted the CHL's top scorer of the year award, a trophy Tavares also copped with the Oshawa Generals. Misa had 134 points in 65 regular season games. Article content 'He's a guy I've looked up to since I got that exceptional status,' Misa said of Tavares. 'It's pretty cool he's from Oakville as well. It seems they have a way of producing good players there.' Article content The left-shooting centre switched to wing for a bit, but enjoys driving the play down the middle. Just like Tavares, whom he's met a couple of times and who has passed on some tips. Article content 'His 200-foot game, the way he's able to protect the puck at all costs and has a great shot,' Misa said. 'I feel a lot more comfortable with the puck on my stick. I've tried to be that 200-foot player who can translate that at the next level.' He and Tavares are lacrosse enthusiasts, both grieving the loss of their coach, Rob McDougall, at an annual memorial charity game. Article content Misa is also off-ice pals with Schaefer, as they and other top prospects just shared the scouting combine experience in Buffalo and a trip to the Stanley Cup finals on the media tour in Florida. Then it was quickly back to Toronto for the CHL awards — allowing Schaefer to cram in his high school prom Thursday night at St. John Henry Newman in Stoney Creek. Article content 'I hadn't been to a school event in a couple of years, so it was fun to be with my friends and my teachers,' he said. 'To be a kid again back in high school is pretty special.' Article content But none of his classmates will be on national sports television in two weeks. Article content 'This is a big step, there is so much talent in this draft, such as Misa and (Brampton's) Porter Martone' Schaefer said. 'There's nothing you can control about the draft now, just enjoy it. ' Article content Schaefer held his lofty position with Central Scouting despite playing only 17 games this season after breaking his collarbone. But he received plenty of attention at the Ivan Hlinka tournament. Article content 'I took the 17 games as an opportunity,' he said of his bad luck. 'A lot of guys played a lot more, but the reason I was ranked so high is I worked so hard in those 17 games.' Article content Schaefer received a lot of team support while idled. His injury wasn't long after his mother, Jennifer, died of breast cancer in February 2024 after a two-year struggle. Article content 'I play for her each and every day, carry myself based on how she did,' the ebullient Schaefer said. 'I want to carry on her legacy. She came into a room and lit it up with her smile.' He also lost his billet mother, Emily Matson, under sudden circumstances and this past season, the whole Otters team was rocked by the death of owner Jim Waters. Article content 'It's made me stronger,' said Schaefer of encountering the losses after leaving home for Erie. 'But I'm playing the sport I love and I just want to be a good person.' Article content Central Scouting deemed this not a deep draft, but rich in good all-round character players such as Schaefer and Misa. The latter won league academic recognition. Article content 'My parents reinforced that school is important,' Misa said. 'It can't be hockey, hockey, hockey all the time, you have to have life outside of that. In future, when you're talking to people, you don't want to sound dumb. Article content 'I like math, I took a kinesiology course, did an accounting class. I'd think I'd like to stay involved in the game as a coach or a GM.' Article content In other awards handed out Friday, Gavin McKenna, a 2026 draft prospect from Whitehorse, Yukon, was named the David Branch player of the year, the third youngest recipient after Tavares and Sidney Crosby. The Medicine Hat Tiger racked up 129 points in 56 games, including a 40-game streak. Article content Memorial Cup winning London Knight Sam Dickinson, who could be Misa or Schaefer's teammate on the Sharks, was named defenceman of the year. Goaltender of the year was Jackson Parsons of the Kitchener Rangers and coach of the year, Gardiner MacDougall of the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats, had his club in the Cup final his first year after an outstanding career coaching the University of New Brunswick. Article content
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.
