The Saginaw Spirit have officially signed 2024 OHL Priority Selection sixth‑round pick Tyler Martyniuk to a standard player agreement, cementing the 6‑foot‑1, 192‑pound left‑shot defenseman as part of the club’s blue‑line plans for the upcoming season.
A promising addition
At 6‑foot‑1 and 192 pounds, Martyniuk brings a physical presence that complements his skating ability, a combination that coaches often seek in modern defensemen.
Selected 117th overall, the Michigan native spent the last two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program, where he recorded 11 points — two goals and nine assists — over 59 games in the 2025‑2026 campaign while also contributing 65 penalty minutes.
International experience
Representing the United States on the world stage, Martyniuk has tested himself against top junior talent in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and at the Youth Olympic Games, gaining valuable exposure that he says will aid his transition to the OHL.
Speaking about the new contract, Martyniuk said he is eager to grow both as a player and as a person within the organization, citing the Spirit’s development pathway as a perfect fit for his ambitions.
GM’s outlook
GM Dave Drinkill praised the signing, noting that Martyniuk’s blend of size, skill and work ethic gives the club a high‑upside defenseman who can contribute immediately in key situations.
With a mix of domestic development and global exposure, the Spirit hope Martyniuk will help anchor a defensive core that aims to compete fiercely in the OHL’s Eastern Conference.