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Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Select Vierling 2nd Overall in OHL Draft Saturday

April 7, 2018 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint, Mich. - The Flint Firebirds announced today that the club has selected forward Evan Vierling (pronounced Veer-Leeng) as the second overall pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

Vierling, a native of Aurora, Ont., recorded 63 points (27G, 36A) in 33 games last season with the York Simcoe Express Minor Midget AAA hockey team. He also finished third in points among 375 skaters at the 2018 Gatorade OHL Cup in March. He scored five goals and added five assists, totaling 10 points and recorded an impressive four game-winning goals in six games played. Additionally, he was one of six players named to the 2018 Gatorade OHL Cup All-Star Team. He won a tournament-high 63 face-offs, going 57.8% in the circle.

"Being drafted by the Flint Firebirds means everything to my family and I," said Vierling. "I've heard such great things about this organization, the arena, fans and the city. So many great players have come out of the OHL and I'm happy to now be part of it, competing against the top players in the world. I'm so grateful and honored for the opportunity and could not get here without my parents, family, coaches and teammates."

The six-foot-one, 165-pound left-handed center has been named an assistant captain for the York Simcoe Express for four straight years. He played a key role in earning three consecutive Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championships over the last three seasons with the Express.

"We are thrilled to welcome Evan to the Flint Firebirds," said Vice President of Hockey Operations & General Manager Barclay Branch. "Evan is a skilled forward that possesses excellent speed, skill and plays a complete game. He's an impactful player that is a significant addition to our program."

For 14 straight years beginning in 1999, the player taken second in the OHL draft went on to play in the NHL. Also, since 2010, four of the last six players selected second overall in the OHL Draft became first-round draft picks in the NHL.

"Evan is an all-dimensional player," said Flint Firebirds Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Development Joe Stefan. "He plays a 200-foot game, he's very smart, has good vision and can score."

OHL Central Scouting Report: Evan is a smooth skating center that has very good offensive instincts. He is one of the nicest skaters in the draft, has a long, powerful stride and is very agile on his skates. He has a great skill set and can makes plays at full speed. He is a smart player that understands the situations of a game and makes very few mistakes. He plays a simple but effective game. Evan was a big part of the success his team had in the second half.

"Evan is an excellent hockey player and we're really excited to select him second overall," said Flint Firebirds Head Scout Dave McParlan. "He is a complete package player and is really hockey smart. He reminds us of Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews on the ice. He has explosive speed and is very dangerous when he gets a chance around the net."

Fans can meet Evan at the Firebirds' annual orientation camp April 20-22 at Iceland Arenas on Elms Rd. in Clayton Township. Firebirds' newly drafted prospects from the 2018 OHL Priority Selection, prospects from previous OHL Priority Selections, as well as free agent invites and current Firebirds will be in attendance. Join us Saturday April 21 for the 'Firebirds Tailgate Party' from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. featuring complimentary hot dogs and drinks, a kid's fun zone and a special player meet and greet. Fans are invited to attend the Firebirds Blue vs. White scrimmage at 3:30 p.m. at Flint Iceland Arenas. This event is free, open to the public and will happen rain or shine.

For all the latest information on the Flint Firebirds, including videos features, orientation camp details and community appearances throughout the summer, stay tuned to www.FlintFirebirds.com.

Early bird ticket packages for the Flint Firebirds 2018-19 OHL season are on sale now. $50 reserves your seat for next season! Special early bird price deadline is Monday, April 30th. Purchase at the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office or the Firebirds front office, Monday thru Friday from 9AM to 5PM. For additional pricing and ticket information, contact Dominic Gutierrez at (810) 701-8536 or email domg@flintfirebirds.com.

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