Saginaw Spirit GM Dave Drinkill announced the signing of forwards Drew Bate and Kyler Lauder, the team's first selections in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection. The two players signed their Scholarship and Development Agreements, marking the start of their OHL careers in front of family and friends. Both athletes showcased impressive performance in their previous leagues, with high hopes of professional development towards the NHL.

By the Numbers
  • Drew Bate recorded 72 points (34 goals, 38 assists) in 27 games with the London Jr. Knights U16 AAA.
  • Kyler Lauder scored 69 points (35 goals, 34 assists) in 32 games with the Central Ontario Wolves U16 AAA.
State of Play
  • Bate and Lauder will begin their development camp this weekend at the Bay County Civic Arena.
  • The Spirit's roster includes 26 other prospects along with returning players preparing for the upcoming season.
What's Next

The development camp will provide Bate and Lauder the opportunity to integrate and train with the team, aiming for a successful transition into their new roles on the ice.

Bottom Line

The Saginaw Spirit's signing of Bate and Lauder signals a strategic focus on nurturing talent and building a competitive future as they work towards shaping these promising players for potential NHL careers.