Flint Firebirds
Division: West division
Coach: Ryan Oulahen
2016-17 Record: (32-28- 3-5) 72 points
Key Additions:
LW Ethan Keppan (Toronto Nationals GTHL)
D Nikita Alexandrov (Balashikha HC MHL)
D Marcus Gretz (Detroit Belle Tire T1EHL U16)
G Luke Cavallin (Kemptville 73s CCHL)
D Zack Pilon (Athens Aeros CCHL2)
Key Departures:
RW Kole Sherwood (Cleveland Monsters AHL)
D Jalen Smereck (Tuscon Roadrunners AHL)
D Alex Peters (Saint Marys University)
D Mathieu Henderson (University of Guelph)
C Everett Clark (University of Ontario IT)
The Firebirds took a huge step forward last season, they had the best season in
franchise history, they made their first playoff appearance, and won their first
playoff game, while improving by 26 points in the standings. But since the franchise was only in its second season, the bar was not set that high.
Flint was seventh in the Western Conference and lost in the first round of the
playoffs in five games by the Sault Sainte Marie Greyhounds. Newly installed GM Barclay Branch has shifted the team’s attention to building through the Draft, as they had four picks in the top 50 of last year’s Draft.
Top Players:
Ryan Moore (C) – GP: 68 / G: 39 / A: 51 / PTS: 90 /PIM: 57/ +/- +11
Nicholas Caamano (LW) – GP: 67 / G: 35 / A: 29 / PTS: 64 / PTS: 63 / +/- -6
Maurizio Colella (LW) GP: 65 / G:18 / A: 23 / PTS: 41 / PIM 32 / +/- +4
Ty Dellandrea (C) GP: 57 / G:13 / A:11 / PTS: 24 / PIM: 26 / +/- -12
Connor Hicks GP: 38 / GAA 3.21 / SV% .886
The Firebird’s offense will be led by last season’s top scorer Ryan Moore and
sophomore Ty Dellandrea will try and build on the success of his OHL rookie
campaign. But the loss of their first line winger Kole Sherwood, top defensive pair of Mathieu Henderson and Jalen Smerreck, and captain Alex Peters will lead a noticeable gap in the club both on an off the ice. Goaltending was a major shortcoming for Flint last year and rookie Luke Cavallin (28th overall pick in 2017 Priority Selection Draft).
The West continues to be the dominant Conference in the OHL, with the five best teams in the League (Eerie, Sault Sainte Marie, Owen Sound, London, and Windsor). The other five teams, including Flint, will likely have to fight for those three playoff spots. The Firebirds have struggled in the pre-season this season, starting off 0-3 and their goaltenders have given up 14 goals in that span.
It looks like it could be a year of transition in the Auto City, as much of the core that got Flint to the playoffs will be leaving the OHL. But with an injection of youth from the Draft and the Import selection, the Firebirds will look to have again their best franchise season.
