Brady Knowling, the top-ranked North American goaltender for the 2026 NHL Draft, has signed a Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Saginaw Spirit. General Manager Dave Drinkill lauded Knowling's elite talent and competitive spirit, emphasizing his potential impact on and off the ice. A dual citizen from Toronto, the 6’5” Knowling has excelled with the U.S. National Team Development Program, showcasing his skills in high-stakes international play. Excited about the upcoming season, Knowling expressed confidence in the team's potential to achieve great success.

By the Numbers
  • Last season's record with the U-18 team: 15 wins, 13 losses, and 3 overtime losses.
  • GAA (Goals Against Average) with U-18 team: 3.51; with U-17 team: 2.01 and save percentage of .946.
  • Led Team USA's U-18 team to a gold medal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with a 2.35 GAA and .914 SV%.
State of Play
  • Knowling recently participated in the CHL USA Prospects Challenge, making 42 saves in his debut.
  • He was named player of the game in a win against Canada on November 25th.
  • He has joined seven other players from the 2024 OHL Priority Selection who have signed with Saginaw.
What's Next

With the season underway, Knowling aims to solidify his role as the primary goaltender for the Spirit. Anticipation builds around his development and contribution to the team's aspirations for a successful season. Continued performance in league play could boost his draft stock further as scouts take notice.

Bottom Line

Brady Knowling's signing is a significant win for the Saginaw Spirit, combining elite talent with promising potential. His arrival solidifies the team’s goaltending position, setting the stage for potential successes this season and beyond. Expect him to be a standout player as he works towards elevating both his personal game and his new team.