Harper Extends Scoring Streak Despite Saginaw Spirit’s Loss to Brantford Bulldogs
The Saginaw Spirit were defeated 6-2 by the Brantford Bulldogs at the Dow Event Center on Sunday night. Nikita Klepov contributed a goal and an assist, tallying six points (4 goals, 2 assists) over three games this weekend. Egor Barabanov recorded his seventh multi-point game of the season with two assists.
Brantford Bulldogs Take Early Lead
The Bulldogs opened the scoring just 1:40 into the first period when Layne Gallacher redirected Zack Sandhu’s rebound past goalie Stepan Shurygin. Ben Danford earned the secondary assist, giving Brantford a 1-0 advantage.
Shortly after, Adam Benak extended the Bulldogs' lead with a power-play goal, sending a shot from the point that beat Shurygin low on the blocker side. Jake O’Brien and Adam Jiricek assisted on the play, making the score 2-0 at 7:39 of the first period.
Saginaw Spirit Respond
Nikita Klepov cut the deficit at 4:42 when he scored a backhand shot in the slot. Egor Barabanov and Graydon Jones earned the primary and secondary assists, respectively, bringing the score to 2-1.
Bulldogs’ Power Play Continues Strong
The Bulldogs added their second power-play goal after Caleb Malhotra’s pass deflected off a Spirit defender and into the net, further extending their lead.
Individual Highlights
- Jake O’Brien extended his point streak to ten games with four assists during the match.
- Goaltender Ryerson Leenders stopped 27 of 29 shots to secure the win for Brantford.
- Egor Barabanov’s two assists marked his seventh multi-point game this season.
- Nikita Klepov amassed six points in three games over the weekend.
“Jake O’Brien extended his point streak to ten games with four assists in the win, and goaltender Ryerson Leenders stopped 27 of 29 shots.”
After the first period, the shots on goal were 10 for Brantford and 7 for Saginaw, reflecting the Bulldogs’ offensive pressure early in the game.
Author’s summary: Despite strong individual performances from Saginaw Spirit players, the Brantford Bulldogs maintained control, bolstered by effective power-play execution and steady goaltending to secure a decisive victory.