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Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Knock off CHL's Best 6-5 in Flint

November 22, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint Firebirds Celebrate a Goal vs. the Erie Otters
Flint Firebirds Celebrate a Goal vs. the Erie Otters
(Flint Firebirds)

Flint, Mich. - Will Bitten scored a hat trick and Kyle Keyser recorded his first career OHL victory in Flint as the Firebirds handed the Erie Otters their first road loss of the season and advanced to third place in the Midwest Division.

Zach Grezlewski started the scoring for the Flint Firebirds at 5:15 of the opening frame after deflecting a pass from the Otters on net and eventually converting on his own rebound to earn the Firebirds the early lead.

Will Bitten would score his 11th of the season and first of the night on a breakaway through the five-hole of Lawr, increasing Flint's to two goals 8:48 into the game.

Erie's Mayenschein scored his first OHL goal from the bottom of the right circle over Kyle Keyser's left shoulder before Bitten scored his second of the evening on another breakaway. The Firebirds lead 3-1 after the first period.

Debrincat scored his 28th of the season 26 seconds into the middle frame on the power-play. Then, Dylan Strome scored deflecting the puck on a shot from Dermott at the left point to tie the game 3-3.

Flint's Nicholas Caamano scored his seventh of the season while crashing the net, scoring on the rebound at 5:57 of the second period. Erie's Lawr would be pulled from the game and replaced by Devin Williams before Dermott would tie the contest 4-4 on the power-play on a slapshot from the right point.

A second effort play by Dane Johnstone in the offensive zone gave Johnston the opportunity to find Francesco Vilardi in the slot who sniped the puck over Williams' left shoulder for the Firebirds' fifth goal of the night.

Bitten would score the game-winning goal and record his second hat-trick of the season also scoring over Williams' left shoulder from the right circle with 15:23 remaining in the game. Strome scored his second of the night 59 seconds later to bring the game within one but the Firebirds remained victorouis over the CHL's number one team on Sunday afternoon in Flint.

Keyser recorded the victory in net making 40 saves on 45 shots. Will Bitten was awarded the game's first star and Ryan Moore received second star honors.

The Flint Firebirds return home to the Dort Federal Event Center this Wednesday night against rival Saginaw Spirit in the Coors Light I-75 Divide Cup. The Firebirds are teaming up with C&L Ward and Catholic Charities to support the "Stuff the Van" charity drive beginning 25 days of giving leading up to Christmas. The Firebirds will be collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries and winter wear at the Dort Federal Event Center. Sponsored by The Hamo Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Firebirds fans can bring in three or more of these items to receive one free bronze level ticket to the game. Puck drop is slated for 7 p.m. and it's College Night featuring $2 beers and $2 hot dogs along with ticket discounts for college students with valid I.D.

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Flint Firebirds Celebrate a Goal vs. the Erie Otters
Flint Firebirds Celebrate a Goal vs. the Erie Otters
   

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