Firebirds Make Four Selections During First Day of 2024 OHL Priority Selection
April 12, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release
FLINT, Mich. - The Flint Firebirds made four selections during the first day of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection on Friday night, headlined by right wing Cole Zurawski at number six overall.
"We feel we got four players that fit the Firebirds mold," Firebirds Head Scout Mike Oliverio said. "We tried to target players who play with pace, skill and a high compete level, as well as high-character individuals. We want to build an identity of being hard to play against and we feel we accomplished that with these four selections."
Flint opened the first day of the draft by selecting Zurawski with the sixth overall pick in the first round. Zurawski played for the Mississauga Rebels U16 AAA of the GTHL where he tallied 19 goals and 23 assists in 34 games during the 2023-24 season. He added two goals and three assists in five games during the OHL cup.
The Firebirds then selected center Xavier Tessier of Ottawa Myers Automotive U16 AAA in the second round at number 33. Tessier, an Ottawa native, appeared in 30 games and had 15 goals and 21 assists. He added eight goals and 14 assists in 12 total postseason games, including two goals and three assists in four games at the OHL Cup.
Flint's second pick of the second round, the 41st overall selection, was Ryland Cunningham of the Peterborough Petes U16 AAA. He played 35 games for Peterborough in the 2023-24 season and had 17 goals and 20 assists.
The Firebirds fourth and final selection of the opening night of the draft was Gage Brandon of the Vaughan Kings U16 AAA. Brandon scored 23 goals to go with 13 assists in 33 games for Vaughan and in four games in the OHL cup had two goals and an assist.
"Mike and the entire scouting staff did a fantastic job preparing us for this draft," Firebirds General Manager Dave McParlan said. We're thrilled with our picks and in speaking with the players, they are extremely excited to be joining the Firebirds organization. It's clear that our staff has chosen skilled and hard-working players and quality people."
The 2024 OHL Priority Selection, presented by Real Canadian Superstore, continues on Saturday with rounds 4-15 beginning at 9 a.m. Flint has 12 picks remaining, including the first pick of the fourth round. Live coverage of the draft is streaming for free on OHL Live, as produced by YourTV.
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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.
