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OHL Flint Firebirds

C.J. Clarke earned the Firebirds' lone-goal before more than 3,000 fans

November 24, 2017 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Saginaw, Mich. - Flint outshot Saginaw 36-28 and C.J. Clarke earned the Firebirds' lone-goal in a 6-1 loss to the Saginaw Spirit before more than 3,000 fans at the Dow Event Center Friday night. Flint now holds a 10-7-0-2 all-time record vs. the Spirit.

Kyle Bollers started the scoring for Saginaw at 1:09 of the opening frame. Saginaw's Keaton Middleton (Toronto Maple Leafs) made a nice defensive play to keep the puck in before dishing it to Brady Gilmour (Detroit Red Wings) at the bottom of the left circle. Gilmour slid it to Bollers at the right circle who scored his first of the night and third of the season to earn the Spirit the early lead.

Marcus Crawford scored his first-of-two on the night at 8:45 while on the power-play from the point, which snuck past a screened Garrett Forrest to increase the Spirit's lead to two.

Then, while shorthanded, a shot from Middleton at the point was deflected past Forrest, glove-side for Saginaw's third goal of the game. Saginaw led 3-0 after the first period but the Firebirds outshot Saginaw 14-13.

Blade Jenkins increased Saginaw's lead to four goals 33 seconds into the second period. After entering the zone, Jenkins slammed on the breaks at the right circle and fed DJ Busdeker in the high-slot. Busdeker fired the puck on goal that was initially saved by the left pad of Forrest, but the puck redirected right to Jenkins' stick who found twine from the right-circle.

The Firebirds' lone goal was scored by C.J. Clarke at 3:43 of the second period. While on the power-play, Ty Dellandrea won the face-off draw at the left-wing circle in the Saginaw zone to Jalen Smereck (Arizona Coyotes). Smereck walked the line and ripped the puck on goal that deflected off Clarke in-front of the net and past Evan Cormier (New Jersey Devils).

Crawford scored his second of the night on a shot from the point that beat Forrest blocker-side to earn Saginaw a 5-1 lead after two periods of play. Flint led in shots 24-23 after 40 minutes.

Aidan Prueter added Saginaw's final goal at 3:27 of the third period with assist's being credited to Danny Katic and Nicholas Porco. The victory increased Saginaw's lead to three in the Coors Light I-75 Divide Cup series.

On special-teams, Flint was three-for-five on the penalty-kill and scored once on eight power-plays. The Firebirds outshot the Spirit 36-28. Saginaw won 34 face-off draws compared to Flint's 20.

The Firebirds and Spirit will play their fourth-of-eight games, in Flint on Dec. 15.

Next Home Game:

The Firebirds return home to the Dort Federal Event Center this Sunday, Nov. 26. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m. against the Kingston Frontenacs. Sunday is a "Firebirds Family 4 Pack" Game. Sponsored by Dort Federal Credit Union. At every Sunday home game, the four pack features 4 Silver Level reserved tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, 2 game programs and 2 game pucks, a value of $120 for $76. Also, all Sunday's are 'Firebirds KIDS FREE days,' compliments of Aquafina: All kids 12-under will receive a free game ticket with adult purchase, valid for all price levels. Fans are encouraged to purchase in advance by visiting the Box Office or by contacting Dominic Gutierrez at domg@flintfirebirds.com. Special offers are not combinable with other discounts or offers.

Sunday is also considered a 'double redemption' game for all season ticket holders and sponsors: If you've missed any games this season, you can redeem your unused season ticket(s) to get 2 tickets for every one season ticket presented at the Dort Federal Event Center box office.

Single game tickets for all Firebirds games are $12 / Bronze, $16 / Silver, $20 / Gold and $26 for VIP seating. All seats are reserved / assigned seating. Fans can purchase tickets at the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office and online at ticketmaster.com. For ticket information, flex tickets or group outings, contact Dominic Gutierrez at (810) 701-8536 or domg@flintfirebirds.com. To book a private suite, please contact Karla Turner at (810) 744-0580 ext. 213 or email karla@flintfirebirds.com.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 24, 2017


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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