Former Saginaw Spirit captain Damien Giroux skated 13:57 with the Minnesota Wild in their 4-3 overtime loss to the Nashville Predators, registering one assist as he played his first NHL contest on Thursday at the age of 23.
Giroux, who is the older brother of current Flint Firebirds forward Zacharie Giroux, spent four seasons in Saginaw from 2016-20, recording 101 goals, 93 assists and 194 points in 249 games. A product of the Sudbury Wolves U16 program, Giroux was selected in the third round (44th overall) by the Spirit in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection after being named NOHA U16 AAA Player of the Year.
Giroux has three goals, 18 assists (3-18-21) and 21 points in 65 games with the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League this season. The Hanmer, Ont. native was the Minnesota’s fifth round pick (155th overall) in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Congratulations to @damiengiroux20 on finally getting an opportunity to play his first NHL game for the @mnwild. Well earned for a player who has earned everything each step of the way! The @SpiritHockey are so incredibly proud of you. #Don
— Chris Lazary (@chris_lazary) April 13, 2023
