Flint Firebirds

Ontario Hockey League team in Flint, Michigan

Flint Firebirds

City| Flint, Michigan
League| Ontario Hockey League
Conference| Western
Division| West
Founded| 1990 (1990)
Operated| 2015–present
Home arena| Dort Financial Center
Colors| Navy Blue, White, Orange and Silver

Owner(s)| Rolf Nilsen
General manager| Dave McParlan
Head coach| Paul Flache
Affiliate| Leamington Flyers (OJHL)
Website| www.flintfirebirds.com
Franchise history
1990–1992| Detroit Compuware Ambassadors
1992–1995| Detroit Junior Red Wings
1995–1997| Detroit Whalers
1997–2015| Plymouth Whalers
2015–present| Flint Firebirds
Current uniform

The Flint Firebirds are a major junior ice hockey team based in Flint, Michigan. The team plays home games at the Dort Financial Center, and operates as a member of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The team began play for the 2015–16 season. In September 2022, the Firebirds announced the Leamington Flyers as an affiliate.[1]

## History

[edit]

The Firebirds trace their roots back to the 1990–91 season, when the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors were added as an expansion team in the OHL. Since then, the franchise has been the Detroit Junior Red Wings, the Detroit Whalers and the Plymouth Whalers. On January 14, 2015, it was announced that longtime Whalers owner Peter Karmanos had sold the team to IMS USA, Inc., with the intention to move the franchise to Flint and the Perani Arena.[2][3] The purchase and relocation was approved by the OHL on February 2, 2015.[4][5]

Although there was sentiment towards resurrecting the Flint Generals nickname that had been used by two past teams in the city, the OHL quickly nixed that idea because of the Oshawa Generals using that name.[6] Likewise, a popular suggestion was the Flint Tropics, after the fictional American Basketball Association team of that name in the 2008 movie Semi-Pro.[7] However, after various others voiced their displeasure at their team possibly being named after a comedy movie's protagonist team, and the chance of the novelty wearing off after a while, the name did not make the list of finalist choices.[8][9][10]

The nine finalist nicknames were Firebirds, Force, Fury, Nationals, Pride, Spark Plugs, Sparks, United, and Vikings.[11]

### Coaching controversies

[edit]

The Firebirds garnered international attention in November 2015 when, following an overtime victory over the Oshawa Generals, owner Rolf Nilsen fired the team's entire coaching staff for failing to adequately increase the playing time of his son, Håkon Nilsen, a Firebirds' defenseman described by one NHL player agent as "a borderline OHL player".[12] Prior to the game against Oshawa, the entire team with the exception of Hakon Nilsen met with head coach John Gruden and his staff and were informed that the owner had insisted that his son receive more playing time, and indeed Nilsen ultimately played 17 minutes, including power-play time, in the subsequent game.[12] However, head coach John Gruden has denied that this was the reason for his dismissal.[13] In response to the firings, the entire team, including Håkon Nilsen, stormed into the team's front office, threw their jerseys on the floor, and quit the team in a show of solidarity with the coaching staff.[14]

The player revolt proved to be successful, as less than 24 hours later the coaching staff was not only rehired, but given three-year contract extensions.[15] Following a meeting with OHL commissioner David Branch, Firebirds' owner Rolf Nilsen stated publicly that he had made an "irresponsible mistake" and apologized to the players.[16]

On February 17, 2016, Rolf Nilsen again fired head coach John Gruden and assistant coach Dave Karpa.[17] The next day, OHL Commissioner David Branch suspended Nilsen, as well as his appointees on the management and coaching staff, from hockey operations until further notice. The league also ordered counseling be provided to players, at Nilsen's cost. Nilsen and his staff were then ordered to cooperate with a league investigation and comply with its findings.[18][19] On April 6, 2016, the OHL suspended Nilsen for five years, with no requests for reinstatement to be entertained for three years. He was also fined $250,000. The league also stripped the Firebirds of their 2016 first-round draft pick. Had Nilsen attempted to get involved in hockey operations while suspended, the OHL could have forced him to sell the Firebirds. The OHL placed the Firebirds under league stewardship and appointed Joe Birch as director of operations.[20] After the five-year suspension passed, the OHL reinstated Rolf Nilsen in April 2021.[21]

### Recent history

[edit]

The Flint Firebirds Locker Room

In May 2016, the OHL named George Burnett, former head coach and general manager of the Belleville Bulls, as the new general manager. The OHL then appointed Ryan Oulahen as head coach and Eric Wellwood as an assistant.[22] On October 12, 2018, Ryan Oulahen stepped down as head coach.[23] On October 18, former associate coach Eric Wellwood was named head coach.[24]

On February 21, 2020, the Firebirds won their 15th consecutive game, setting a new franchise record. It was their 37th win of the season, another club record.[25]

On March 10, 2022, the OHL expelled team president Terry Christensen after an investigation found that he violated OHL policy for harassment, abuse, and diversity.[26]

## Head coaches

[edit]

List of coaches with multiple seasons in parentheses.

* 2015–2016 – John Gruden
* 2016–2017 – Ryan Oulahen
* 2017–2018 – Ryan Oulahen, Eric Wellwood
* 2018–2021 – Eric Wellwood (3)
* 2021–2023 – Ted Dent (2)
* 2023–present – Paul Flache

## General managers

[edit]

List of general managers with multiple seasons in parentheses.

* 2015–2016 – Terry Christensen
* 2016–2017 – George Burnett
* 2017–2021 – Barclay Branch (4)
* 2021–2022 – Terry Christensen
* 2022–2023 – Ted Dent
* 2023–present – Dave McParlan

## Players

[edit]

### Team captains

[edit]

List of team captains:[citation needed]

* 2015–2017: Alex Peters
* 2017–2018: Ryan Moore / Jalen Smereck
* 2018–2020: Ty Dellandrea
* 2021–2023: Brennan Othmann
* 2023–2024: Zacharie Giroux / Coulson Pitre
* 2024–2025: Connor Clattenburg

### NHL alumni

[edit]

List of Firebirds alumni who played in the National Hockey League (NHL):[citation needed]

* Will Bitten
* Nick Caamano
* Ty Dellandrea
* Vladislav Kolyachonok
* Alex Nedeljkovic
* Brennan Othmann
* Vili Saarijärvi
* Kole Sherwood
* Tyler Tucker

## Season-by-season results

[edit]

The Firebirds hosting Niagara in 2024

Season-by-season results for the regular season and playoffs:[citation needed]

## Season results

[edit]

Legend: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime losses, SL = Shoot-out losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against

Memorial Cup champions | OHL champions | OHL runners-up

|
|

Season | GP | W | L | OTL | SL | Pts | Win % | GF | GA | Standing | Playoffs

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

2015–16 | 68 | 20 | 42 | 4 | 2 | 46 | 0.338 | 184 | 279 | 5th West | Did not qualify
2016–17 | 68 | 32 | 28 | 3 | 5 | 72 | 0.529 | 229 | 242 | 3rd West | Lost conference quarterfinal (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) 4–1
2017–18 | 68 | 20 | 43 | 3 | 2 | 45 | 0.331 | 194 | 316 | 5th West | Did not qualify
2018–19 | 68 | 16 | 46 | 6 | 0 | 38 | 0.279 | 212 | 350 | 5th West | Did not qualify
2019–20 | 63 | 40 | 21 | 1 | 1 | 82 | 0.651 | 274 | 243 | 2nd West | Playoffs cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2020–21 | Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021–22 | 68 | 42 | 21 | 1 | 4 | 89 | 0.654 | 286 | 238 | 2nd West | Won conference quarterfinal (Owen Sound Attack) 4–3
Won conference semifinal (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) 4–1
Lost conference final (Windsor Spitfires) 4–3
2022–23 | 68 | 35 | 28 | 4 | 1 | 75 | 0.551 | 291 | 278 | 4th West | Lost conference quarterfinal (Saginaw Spirit) 4–3
2023–24 | 68 | 30 | 33 | 4 | 1 | 65 | 0.478 | 232 | 274 | 3rd West | Lost conference quarterfinal (London Knights) 4–0
2024–25 | 68 | 29 | 34 | 2 | 3 | 63 | 0.463 | 229 | 249 | 3rd West | Lost conference quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 4–1

## Radio and television

[edit]

Brian Gardner is the play-by-play voice of the Firebirds.[27] On radio, games are broadcast live on WQUS (103.1 FM).[28] Telecasts are streamed online via CHL TV in the U.S. and Canada and aired on Rogers Cable and Cogeco via the OHL Action Pak in Canada.[29]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Firebirds announce affiliation with Leamington Flyers".
2. ^ McMann, Aaron (January 14, 2015). "Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers moving to Flint in 2015-16 season". MLive.com. The Flint Journal. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
3. ^ "Whalers announce relocation plans". Ontario Hockey League. January 14, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
4. ^ McMann, Aaron (February 2, 2015). "It's official: Ontario Hockey League approves Plymouth Whalers' move to Flint". MLive.com. The Flint Journal. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
5. ^ "OHL Board of Governors Approve Transfer of Ownership and Relocation to Flint". Ontario Hockey League. February 2, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
6. ^ McMann, Aaron (January 21, 2015). "Hoping for a return of the Flint Generals name? OHL commissioner says it's not happening". MLive.com. The Flint Journal. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
7. ^ McMann, Aaron (March 2, 2015). "Name expected soon for Flint's OHL team; you still like 'Flint Tropics'". MLive.com. The Flint Journal. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
8. ^ Heller, Andrew (February 11, 2015). "Come Heller high water: Please don't call the hockey team the Flint Tropics". MLive.com. The Flint Journal. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
9. ^ McMann, Aaron (February 13, 2015). "Anti-'Tropics' crowd growing as naming contest for Flint's new OHL team ends". MLive.com. The Flint Journal. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
10. ^ Everybody panic! Flint Tropics to take to the ice
11. ^ TSN.ca Staff (November 8, 2015). "Poll: Which of the 10 registered names do you like best for Flint's new OHL team?". TSN.ca. The Sports Network. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
12. ^ a b How Flint Firebirds firestorm came about https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/how-flint-firebirds-firestorm-came-about/
13. ^ "Seidel: Firebirds players risk it all to save coaches". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2015-11-13.
14. ^ TSN.ca Staff (November 8, 2015). "Report: Firebirds fire coaches, players walk out". TSN.ca. TSN. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
15. ^ Frank Seravalli (November 9, 2015). "#MondayMustRead: Flint Firebirds re-hire coaches after player protest". TSN.ca. TSN. Retrieved November 9, 2015.
16. ^ Flint Firebirds coaches reinstated, owner admits he made 'irresponsible mistake' http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/branch-to-meet-with-firebirds-brass-after-reported-firings-and-team-revolt-343758692.html
17. ^ Sipple, George (February 17, 2016). "Flint Firebirds fire coaches for second time this season". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
18. ^ Sipple, George; Jahnke, James (February 18, 2016). "Flint Firebirds owner suspended; OHL investigating". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
19. ^ "OHL suspends Flint owner, appoints interim coaches". The Detroit News. February 18, 2016. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
20. ^ Sipple, George (April 6, 2016). "Flint Firebirds' owner suspended 5 years, team now under OHL control". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved April 6, 2016.
21. ^ "OHL expels Flint president of hockey operations Terry Christensen for conduct 'prejudicial to the welfare of the league'". The Athletic. March 20, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2024 – via The New York Times.
22. ^ "Flint Firebirds Name Coaching Staff". OurSports Central. May 20, 2016.
23. ^ "Ryan Oulahen Steps Down as Flint Firebirds Head Coach". Ontario Hockey League. October 12, 2018. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
24. ^ "Eric Wellwood appointed Flint Firebirds Head Coach". Ontario Hockey League. October 18, 2018. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
25. ^ Flint Firebirds continue to set team records with 15th consecutive victory The Flint Journal via MLive.com, February 22, 2020
26. ^ Sweetland, Josh (March 10, 2022). "OHL Announces Findings of Investigation Concerning Flint Firebirds' President of Hockey Operations Terry Christensen". Ontario Hockey League. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
27. ^ Flint Firebirds hire Brian Gardner as Director of Communications and Play-by-Play Announcer BVM Sports, September 15, 2023
28. ^ Firebirds Hockey, Townsquare Media Announce Multi-Year Radio Broadcast Partnership MLive.com, February August 21, 2017
29. ^ OHL UNVEILS 2021-22 REGIONAL TELEVISION BROADCAST SCHEDULE DETAILS OHL Writers, September 21, 2021

## External links

[edit]

* Official website

* v
* t
* e

Flint Firebirds

* Based in Flint, Michigan
* Founded in 1990
* Member of the Ontario Hockey League

The Franchise|

* Plymouth Whalers
* History
* Records
* Players
* Staff

Arenas|

* Cobo Arena
* Joe Louis Arena
* Palace of Auburn Hills
* Oak Park Ice Arena
* Compuware Arena
* Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center

Conference Championships|

* 1994-95
* 1999–00
* 2000–01
* 2006–07

Division Championships|

* 1993-94
* 1994-95
* 1995-96
* 1998–99
* 1999–00
* 2000–01
* 2001–02
* 2002–03
* 2005–06
* 2006–07
* 2011-12
* 2012-13

J. Ross Robertson Cup|

* 1994-95
* 2006–07

Retired numbers|

* 14

* v
* t
* e

Flint, Michigan

History|

* Sit-down strike (1936–1937)
* Water crisis (2014–2019)

Areas|

* East Village
* Flint Cultural Center
* The Whiting
* Flint Public Library

Education|

* Flint Community Schools
* Southwestern Academy
* Michigan School for the Deaf
* Powers Catholic HS
* Mott Community College
* University of Michigan–Flint
* Kettering University
* Atwood Stadium

| Closed|

* Flint Central HS
* Flint Northern HS/Northern Academy
* Michigan School for the Blind

|

Government|

* Mayors

Transportation|

* Bishop International Airport
* Amtrak Flint station
* Mass Transportation Authority

Landmarks|

* Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center
* Genesee Towers (demolished)
* Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Building
* Applewood

Society|

* Auto industry
* Aptiv
* Buick City
* General Motors
* Crime
* Notable people
* Citizens Republic Bancorp (defunct)

Sports|

* Flint City Bucks (soccer)
* Flint Firebirds
* more
* Flint Roller Derby
* Flint Rogues Rugby Club
* Waza FC

This list is incomplete.

* v
* t
* e

Ontario Hockey League

East Division|

* Brantford Bulldogs
* Kingston Frontenacs
* Oshawa Generals
* Ottawa 67's
* Peterborough Petes

Central Division|

* Barrie Colts
* Brampton Steelheads
* Niagara IceDogs
* North Bay Battalion
* Sudbury Wolves

Midwest Division|

* Erie Otters
* Guelph Storm
* Kitchener Rangers
* London Knights
* Owen Sound Attack

West Division|

* Flint Firebirds
* Saginaw Spirit
* Sarnia Sting
* Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
* Windsor Spitfires

Defunct teams|

* Belleville Bulls
* Brampton Battalion
* Brantford Alexanders
* Cornwall Royals
* Detroit Compuware Ambassadors
* Detroit Junior Red Wings
* Detroit Whalers
* Guelph Platers
* Hamilton Bulldogs
* Hamilton Dukes
* Hamilton Steelhawks
* Kingston Canadians
* Kingston Raiders
* Mississauga IceDogs
* Mississauga Steelheads
* Newmarket Royals
* Niagara Falls Thunder
* North Bay Centennials
* Owen Sound Platers
* Plymouth Whalers
* Toronto Marlboros
* Toronto St. Michael's Majors

* CHL
* Memorial Cup
* J. Ross Robertson Cup
* OHL history
* OHL seasons
* OHA standings
* OHL Awards
* CHL Awards
* QMJHL
* WHL

* v
* t
* e

Sports teams based in Michigan

Baseball|

MLB
Detroit Tigers

Great Lakes Loons
Lansing Lugnuts
West Michigan Whitecaps
NwL
Battle Creek Battle Jacks
Kalamazoo Growlers
Royal Oak Leprechauns
Traverse City Pit Spitters
USPBL

Basketball|

NBA
Detroit Pistons
WNBA
Detroit WNBA team (2029)
G League
Grand Rapids Gold
Motor City Cruise
BSL
Saginaw Soul
BIG3
Detroit Amps

Football|

NFL
Detroit Lions
UFL
Michigan Panthers
AAL
West Michigan Ironmen
WFA
Grand Rapids Tidal Waves
AWFL
Detroit Prowl
Kalamazoo Bears
Lansing Legacy
Southern Michigan Wolves

Hockey|

NHL
Detroit Red Wings
AHL
Grand Rapids Griffins
ECHL
Kalamazoo Wings
FPHL
Port Huron Prowlers
Motor City Rockers
OHL
Flint Firebirds
Saginaw Spirit
USHL
Muskegon Lumberjacks
US National Development Team Program
NOJHL
Soo Eagles
USPHL
Detroit Fighting Irish
Motor City HC
Metro Jets

Roller derby|

WFTDA
Ann Arbor Roller Derby
Detroit Roller Derby
Flint Roller Derby
Grand Raggidy Roller Derby
Kalamazoo Roller Derby
Lansing Roller Derby

Rugby union|

USARNC
Detroit Tradesmen
Michigan RFC

Soccer|

USLC
Detroit City FC
MLSNP
Grand Rapids (2027)
NISA
Gold Star FC
Michigan Stars FC
USL2
AFC Ann Arbor
Flint City Bucks
Grand Rapids FC
Kalamazoo FC
Oakland County FC
NPSL
Carpathia FC
USLW
AFC Ann Arbor
Detroit City FC
Flint City AFC
Kalamazoo FC
Midwest United FC
UPSL
Alianza FC
Detroit United
MWPL
Liquid Football
Michigan Stars U23

Soccer (indoor)|

MLIS
Rapid City FC
Waza Flo
MASL2
Muskegon Risers

Ultimate|

UFA
Detroit Mechanix

Volleyball|

PVF
Grand Rapids Rise

College
athletics|

| NCAA
Division I|

Central Michigan
Detroit Mercy
Eastern Michigan
Michigan
Michigan State
Oakland
Western Michigan

|

NCAA
Division II|

Davenport
Ferris State (D-I hockey)
Grand Valley State
Hillsdale
Lake Superior State (D-I hockey)
Michigan Tech (D-I hockey)
Northern Michigan (D-I hockey)
Northwood
Saginaw Valley State
Wayne State
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