Watson promoted to GM in Saginaw

The Saginaw Spirit have announced a contract extension and promotion for director of hockey operations and head coach Todd Watson.

Effectively immediately, Watson will serve as the team’s general manager and head coach.

“We are happy to come to the agreement with Todd that essentially has him here for another five years minimum," said Spirit president Craig Goslin. "He is supported by a family that includes his wife, Nicole, daughters, Emily and Allison, and sons, Joseph and John Michael that have all become major ingredients to the fabric of the Saginaw Spirit and of the Great Lakes Bay region. We are glad that they will call Saginaw their home for many years to come."

"Todd has done a outstanding job building and representing our community and franchise,” stated Spirit owner Dick Garber. “I have complete confidence that with Todd and the staff he has assembled around him that we will accomplish the franchise’s goal of competing for championships. However, even more important is the confidence I have that the young men who represent our hockey club are getting developed off the ice. What I respect most about Todd Watson is that he cares more about the our players, program and our community than he does about himself or career, and that is a sign of a great leader"

“My family and I couldn’t be happier," said Watson. “We’re happy to be here and we’re thankful to Dick and Craig for the continuing opportunity to be a part of the Saginaw Spirit family. We’ve been very successful on and off the ice thanks in no small part of the work ethic and devotion of our players and hockey staff. I am proud of their involvement in the fabric of the local community and I am thankful for the opportunity to continue working with them.

"Professionalism, competency, work ethic, accountability, respect, loyalty, honesty and integrity are all values that the Saginaw Spirit organization strives for each day," added Goslin. "Todd Watson has a proven track record of working to achieve these values in his managing and coaching of the fine young men that make up the roster for the Spirit hockey club. We look forward to continuing to work together with Todd and his fine staff to build a winner here in the Great Lakes Bay region that we all can be very proud of."