A battle between two of the top prospects for next year’s NHL Draft lived up to its billing on Saturday.
Saginaw Spirit star Michael Misa had two goals and the assist on Kristian Epperson’s overtime winner as his team edged Porter Martone and the host Brampton Steelheads 3-2.
Martone also had two goals on the day.
Misa, picked first overall in the OHL Draft by Saginaw in 2022 after he was granted early entry as an exceptional player, leads the league with 13 goals in nine games. He helped the Spirit win the Memorial Cup last season.
Martone, acquired by the Steelheads from the Sarnia Sting at the 2022-23 trade deadline, has 10 goals and is tied for the OHL scoring lead with 20 points in nine games.
In Sam Cosentino’s most recent draft rankings, Martone is ranked second while Misa is fifth.
The Spirit and Steelheads meet again Nov. 30 in Saginaw, Mich.