The Saginaw Spirit announce today that radio color commentator Dennis Desrosiers is stepping down from his broadcasting position with the team. Longtime OHL broadcaster Domenic Papa will be replacing Desrosiers for the majority of the Spirit broadcasts.

PHOTO CREDIT - Sara Campbell, Windsor Spitfires

Saginaw - September 14, 2012 - The Saginaw Spirit announce today that radio color commentator Dennis Desrosiers is stepping down from his broadcasting position with the team. Longtime OHL broadcaster Dom Papa will be replacing Desrosiers for the majority of the Spirit broadcasts on FM Talk and Sports WSGW 100.5 beginning Friday, September 21 when the team opens its 2012-13 season in Guelph against the Storm.

Desrosiers has been an iconic figure in the hockey circles of the Great Lakes Bay Region for decades going back to his days as a member of the highly successful Saginaw Gears program of the 1970’s and early 1980’s, and has been partnering with Spirit Play by Play Broadcaster Leigh Cunningham for the past four seasons. “In Rosie’s departure I am losing one of my good friends in the game, and he will be tough to replace,” commented Cunningham. “Having said that, I personally, and the organization enthusiastically welcome Dom aboard. I have known him for a long time in the business and I’m looking forward to getting rolling next Friday in Guelph.”

Saginaw Spirit President Craig Goslin also commented on the departure of Desrosiers, and his replacement Dom Papa.

"Respect is the word that I use to describe how all of us feel about the great #8, Dennis Desrosiers. On behalf of our entire franchise, we appreciate the credability and respect that Dennis has contributed to the quality of our franchise both on and off the ice. As a color broadcaster, he has become a very strong partner to Leigh as the duo has been recognized as one of the best. His wit and tongue in cheek humor will be missed. We wish all the best in his new southern home.”

“The Saginaw Spirit is honored to add a person with the creditability, experience and wisdom of Domenic Papa to our broadcast team. Dom is a legend in broadcasting in the OHL and will be a very strong asset to our franchise. He, along with play by play broadcaster Leigh Cunningham, gives us a broadcast team that has NHL quality talent and unsurpassed OHL knowledge that our listeners and viewership base will appreciate.”

"I am thrilled to be coming to the Spirit and working with this great organization," said Papa. "I look forward to working with these true professionals, and I hope I can add something to the broadcast that all the Spirit fans will enjoy. I want to thank Mr. Garber, Mr. Goslin and my new broadcast partner Leigh Cunningham for affording me this wonderful opportunity to continue going forward with my OHL career. I have always admired the hard work, dedication and commitment that the Spirit organization constantly puts forth for their employees and fans. They are truly a premier outfit in the Ontario Hockey League.”