The Saginaw Spirit, in partnership with the Ontario Hockey League, announced Thursday the hockey club has selected Michael Misa of the Mississauga Senators Under-16 team as the first overall pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection.
“On behalf of the entire Saginaw Spirit organization, we are thrilled to welcome a player of Michael’s caliber to our franchise,” said Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. “He joins a very select group of players granted exceptional status and we recognize his talents by making Michael our first overall pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection Draft. Michael is an elite hockey player, with high-end skills, ability and high hockey IQ to match. He is also a very dedicated, humble, young man with great character, from a great family, and a well-rounded individual, on and off the ice.”
Misa, 15, is just one of six players in the history of the Ontario Hockey League to be granted “exceptional status” by the Ontario Hockey Federation and Hockey Canada for clearance to participate in the league a year early. The other five players were John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad, Connor McDavid, Sean Day, and current Kingston Frontenac, Shane Wright. Tavares, Ekblad, and McDavid all went on to be first overall picks in the National Hockey League draft, while Shane Wright is projected to be the number one pick in this year’s NHL Draft taking place in early July.
“It is an honor to be selected by the Saginaw Spirit with the first overall pick in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection,” said Misa. “I am grateful to Spirit owner Dick Garber, President & Managing Partner Craig Goslin, and the entire ownership group. GM Dave Drinkill and his scouting staff, and Head Coach Chris Lazary for putting their trust in me as their first overall pick. I also want to thank Spirit fans everywhere for welcoming me and my family to the organization. I am committed to this team, this city, and these fans. There is lots of hard work and development ahead. I am looking forward to the future and contributing to the organization on and off the ice.”
The Oakville, Ontario native had a magical season, leading the Mississauga Senators U-16 to the OHL Cup. In 55 total games, Misa had 93 points (37 goals, 56 assists) in 55 games, averaging 1.7 points per game, and boasted a +/- rating of plus-79. His 20 points in the 2022 OHL Cup broke a previous record held by Edmonton Oilers superstar and fellow exceptional status player, Connor McDavid. That performance made Misa the most valuable player of the tournament.
Misa’s selection by Saginaw at first overall is the first time the hockey club has picked first overall since the Spirit took defenseman Patrick McNeill with the first overall pick back in 2003.
Michael’s older brother Luke was selected ninth overall by the Mississauga Steelheads in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
Misa will wear No. 77 for the Spirit during the 2022-23 season.