End of an Era in Saginaw: Chris Lazary Steps Down as Spirit Head Coach to Join Michigan as Associate Head Coach

In a transformative move across the Great Lakes hockey landscape, Chris Lazary has officially stepped down as head coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Saginaw Spirit to accept an associate head coaching position with the University of Michigan men’s ice hockey program.

The announcement marks the conclusion of a monumental chapter for the Spirit, where Lazary spent nearly a decade establishing Saginaw as one of the premier player development powerhouses in Canadian junior hockey.

A Historic Legacy in Saginaw

Lazary’s tenure with the Spirit is nothing short of legendary. He first joined the organization as an associate coach ahead of the 2016–17 season before being elevated to head coach in November 2018. Over eight seasons at the helm, Lazary cemented his place in franchise lore, becoming the winningest head coach in Saginaw Spirit history with 249 regular season and playoff victories while guiding the team through more than 500 games behind the bench.

Under his leadership, Saginaw achieved unprecedented heights:

"First off, I want to thank Chris for putting everything he had into our organization since his hiring in 2016," said Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill. "He has done an outstanding job developing young talent, creating a culture of winning, and helping to build this organization into one of the premier programs in junior hockey. I look forward to watching Chris start the next chapter of his coaching career and wish him nothing but the best."

Spirit President and Managing Partner Craig Goslin echoed those sentiments, highlighting Lazary’s impact on and off the ice.

"His commitment to excellence, resilience, and work ethic are the values that have made him an exceptional coach," Goslin stated. "We wish Chris, his wife Jackie, and their children all the best in their new home. Chris and the entire Lazary family will always be a major ingredient to the fabric of the 2024 Memorial Cup Championship and the Spirit Family."

A Major Splash for Michigan Hockey

For the University of Michigan and head coach Brandon Naurato, landing a bench boss with Lazary’s credentials represents a massive recruitment coup in an evolving college hockey environment. With NCAA hockey increasingly drawing top-tier talent and staff directly from the CHL ranks, bringing in a proven CHL champion and tactical developer further elevates the Wolverines' staff. Michigan has recently had an impressive offseason landing players like Nashville first rounder Cam Reid , as well as Levi Harper flipping his commitment from Minnesota to the Maize and Blue.

Lazary’s reputation for elite tactical execution, player growth, and fast-paced transition play aligns seamlessly with Michigan’s high-octane offensive identity. Known for his intense preparation and relentless daily work ethic, Lazary brings a wealth of experience in managing high-profile NHL draft picks and nurturing elite prospects—a vital skill set when navigating a Michigan roster consistently loaded with top talent.

The details of Lazary's contract have yet to be revealed, however Michigan fans and the college hockey world should take notice that the Wolverines are making the necessary moves this offseason to get over that championship hump.

Looking Ahead

As Saginaw begins its search for the eleventh head coach in franchise history, Michigan gains a proven winner whose resume speaks for itself.

Lazary’s departure from the OHL closes a decade of historic milestones in Saginaw, but his transition to Ann Arbor opens an exciting new chapter for both him and the Michigan Wolverines program as they continue their pursuit of NCAA national championship glory.