By Raine Hernandez/OHL
Michael Misa‘s “Welcome to the OHL” moment came on October 15th, his seventh game in the Ontario Hockey League.
During that game, Misa looked up to see who else, but his former teammate from the OHL Cup champion Mississauga Senators, Malcolm Spence of the Erie Otters, smiling at him at the face-off circle.
Although Misa’s Saginaw Spirit lost that game in overtime due to Spence’s pair of goals (including the OT-winner), a feat that earned Spence the first round of bragging rights with his former teammate, Misa finally came to the realization that, “wow, look at us. We’re really playing in the OHL.”
Keep em’ coming, Michael Misa 🚨🚨
Two more goals for the 15-year-old @SpiritHockey rookie on Saturday, tying him for the #OHL lead with eight in his first 10 games 🎥 pic.twitter.com/aSFS97kjQr
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) October 23, 2022
Just 10 games into Misa’s first season in the Ontario Hockey League, it’s fair to say that the sixth player in OHL history to be granted exceptional status by Hockey Canada has lived up to the hype. The first overall pick from the 2022 Priority Selection is currently tied for the league lead in goals with eight, and sits fifth in overall scoring with 14 points.
Compared to past exceptional status forwards, Misa’s 14 points through 10 games sit one shy of John Tavares‘ mark of 15 back in 2005-06. He’s outpaced both Connor McDavid (12 in 2012-13) and Shane Wright (9 in 2019-20) to begin his OHL career.
“The experience in Saginaw so far has been incredible, the older guys have been super helpful.” the Spirit rookie commented. “It’s always great to have them around whenever I need some advice or have a couple questions.”
The Spirit feature a leadership group that includes captain Josh Bloom and OA’s Theo Hill, Tristan Lennox, and Mitchell Smith. Another player that has helped him along the way has been second-year forward Calem Mangone.
“He’s a great guy off the ice and is really fun to be around,” Misa said about his linemate. “On the ice, we have similar skillsets and we gel really well together.”
Along with fellow first-year forward Joey Willis, Misa and Mangone have been able to develop instant chemistry, forming what has been one of the most productive lines in the OHL.
“I love playing with them,” Misa said. “It’s great to see our chemistry clicking in on short notice.”
“I think we create a lot of plays in the offensive zone, we just really work well together,” said Mangone. “I think we have a bright future with this line, and as the season goes on, we’ll continue to build on our chemistry.”
Miss Michael Misa’s sensational debut last night? Check out his first TWO #OHL goals as @SpiritHockey hung up double-digits in their home opener! 🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/GAWMVoRBAe
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) October 2, 2022
As for Mangone, who is off to a strong start of his own with 13 points in his first 10 games, he’s already noticed the growth that his linemate Misa has shown since the beginning of training camp.
“I was surprised, he actually had a lot of grit to him,” Mangone said. “He likes getting into those battles, and it’s great to see when a player as young as he is has that grit along with his skill.”
Once training camp progressed into the regular season, Mangone took Misa under his wing to show him the ropes in the Ontario Hockey League, similar to the mentorship Mangone received as a rookie from former Spirit captain Camaryn Baber.
“Our leadership group has a lot more experience this year,” the Sault Ste. Marie native Mangone continued. “Last year we were so young, but luckily I was able to learn from a couple of guys last season like [Baber], and I’m trying to pass some of that on to Michael.”
“I really think he has the potential to be one of the best players in the entire league next season, even as a 16-year-old.”
While the Oakville native still has quite the journey ahead of him in terms of achieving his goals, it’s evident that he’s in the perfect environment, surrounded by the right group of people to do so. The Spirit recently produced another one of the game’s rising stars in Winnipeg Jets top prospect Cole Perfetti.
“The culture here in Saginaw has been great.” Misa continued. “We have the pieces to make a run, and I am extremely excited about the future to see what we can accomplish together.”
Misa and the Spirit look to get back on track on Wednesday night as they host their in-state rivals, the Flint Firebirds. Puck drop is set for 7:05 PM ET.
🚨 New #OHLCup powered by @UnderArmour Record 🚨
Michael Misa’s fifth point of the night gives him 20 in the Showcase, surpassing Connor McDavid for the most in one tournament. pic.twitter.com/4I7eC0vrWN
— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) April 5, 2022
