SAGINAW, MI – The game began with fireworks and banners.

It ended in disappointment and perhaps even a small lesson.

The Saginaw Spirit opened the 2024–25 OHL season on Wednesday with a 20-minute program celebrating the 2024 Memorial Cup victory, including the raising of the Memorial Cup victory banner.

But a goal from Jack Nesbitt less than a minute into extra time gave Windsor a 5-4 victory.

“The first 10 games, the coaches don’t put much emphasis on it,” Spirit coach Chris Lazary said. “The first 10 games, you have to find a way. We’re still waiting for the players to come back. The guys are learning in this league, just like last year. Everyone needs time.”

Last season, the Spirit went 4-5-1 in their first ten games before winning the West Division and the Memorial Cup.

In Wednesday’s opening game, Saginaw played without CHL Defenseman of the Year Zayne Parekh, who is still in NHL training camp with Calgary. Another NHL draft pick, Igor Chernyshov, missed the game with an upper-body injury.

“It’s a process … a lot of guys played their first game,” Lazary said. “That’s to be expected. We have a lot of good players out there. We have to learn how fast things happen and how structured we have to be.”

The teams were tied after one period after Saginaw standout Michael Misa scored the Spirit’s first two goals of the season. Windsor took a 4-3 lead into the third period when Will Bishop scored Saginaw’s goal.

Jacob Cloutier tied the score at 4:4 by scoring a power play goal for the Spirit in the third period.

The teams combined for 10 power play opportunities, with Saginaw scoring 2 of 3 goals. Windsor converted 3 of 7 power play opportunities. Saginaw goalie Andrew Oak stopped 39 of 44 shots.

“It’s nice to see the Memorial Cup banner,” Lazary said. “I’ve enjoyed it most of the summer.”

“But I really want to win it again. It’s an achievement, but I’m already looking forward to next year.”