Local hockey players age will soon have a chance to don the Saginaw Spirit red, white and blue. The Spirit are launching the inaugural season of the Jr. Saginaw Spirit youth hockey program this spring. Organizer Brian Kischnick said the program will provide a closer option for area players, who currently have to travel to Detroit or farther to play on AAA teams. The Peewee team will be coached by Heritage coach J. The three teams will play primarily out of The Dow for the season, which runs through May. Each teams will play in two tournaments near the end of the season.

Both players were chosen to play in the Youth Olympic Games this past year and their performance there, added to their outstanding play during the regular season was enough to solidify their spot. Both players had record years for our program with McGroarty putting up 82 goals and 78 assists for an unbelievable total of points. Brzustewicz, as a defenseman put up equally impressive numbers with 15 goals and 96 assists for a total of points.

Shine was born on April 18, , to parents Scott and Marcy Shine. Shine joined the Northern Michigan Wildcats for his freshman season during their —14 campaign. He played in all 38 games and recorded 17 points for fifth on the team. He finished the —15 season third on the team in points, tied for third in goals, and fourth in assists. As a result, he earned a spot on the fan ballot for the Hobey Baker award.