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OHL Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Prepare for NHL Draft this Weekend

June 19, 2019 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Four Flint Firebirds are listed in NHL Central Scouting's 'Final Rankings' for the 2019 NHL Draft, which takes place this Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. For the fourth consecutive year, a current Flint Firebird player is expecting to hear his name called on NHL Draft day.

For the past five seasons, the OHL has sent more players to the NHL than any other league in the world. The OHL is first in the world in total players selected in the NHL Draft (197), first and second round selections combined (76), defenseman (80) and forwards (122). On NHL opening day rosters in October, one-in-four players (26.4%) competing in the NHL were alums of the OHL, which is also the highest percentage in the world.

National television coverage for the first round begins Friday at 7:30 p.m. (ET) on NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) in the United States, Sportsnet in Canada, and in French on TVA Sports in Canada. International radio coverage begins at 3 p.m. (ET) on SiriusXM NHL Network, Channel 91. Coverage of rounds 2-7 begins Saturday morning at 11 a.m. (ET) on the NHL Network in the United States and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

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With 31 teams in the NHL, Flint's Vladislav Kolyachonok was the highest Flint Firebird recognized, listed at #31 among all North American skaters eligible for the draft. Ethan Keppen (#74), Eric Uba (#141) and Luke Cavallin (#23 Goalies) were also listed in the final rankings. Additionally Kyle Harris, Cody Morgan, Emmet Pierce and Jacob Winterton are also first time eligible players to be selected in the NHL Draft.

Flint Firebirds' Defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok is ranked #31 among North American Skaters to be selected in the NHL Draft.

Kolyachonok finished second among all rookie defenseman in the OHL this season, setting a record for most points by a rookie in a Firebirds' uniform with 30 points (4G, 26A) in 54 games. He was the first ever Flint Firebird to be named to the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) First All-Rookie Team for the 2018-19 season. Keppen played in all 68 games this season, finishing tied for second on the team in points (59). He tripled his goal production (30) and more than tripled both his assists (29) and points in one season. Uba played in all-but-one game this year, recording 42 points (19G, 23A) in 67 games. Cavallin played in a career-high 36 games as a goaltender this year and finished the season on an impressive five-game winning streak.

"Having four Firebirds' recognized by NHL Central Scouting is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players," said Flint Firebirds Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Barclay Branch. "It's a strong reflection of the Firebirds' program and our commitment to player development."

The Firebirds have had five players selected through the past three NHL Drafts. Last June, Ty Dellandrea became the first Flint Firebird to be selected in the first round of an NHL Draft when he was picked 13th-overall by the Dallas Stars. Dennis Busby was also selected last year in the fifth-round (145th overall) by the Arizona Coyotes. Flint's best showing at an individual NHL Draft is two players selected, which has happened in two of the three NHL Drafts since the Firebirds have been a member in the OHL. Flint has the opportunity to set a franchise record this weekend if three or more Firebirds hear their name called.

Both Kyle Harris and Cody Morgan increased their point-production in their second season in the OHL. Harris tallied seven more points, scored one more power-play goal and played in six more games in his sophomore campaign. Morgan, before being acquired in a trade from Windsor, had nine points (2G, 7A) in 33 games with the Spitfires. He then skyrocketed to tally 30 points (13G, 17A) in 30 games with the Firebirds to close out his second year in the OHL headed into the NHL Draft.

Emmet Pierce signed with the Firebirds in January and earned 10 points (8G, 2A) in 24 games, including two game-winning goals. Jacob Winterton notched 21 points (11G, 10A) in 67 games with the Firebirds.

Check out the Flint Firebirds Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 19, 2019


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