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OHL Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Select Swedish Forward Markas Samenas in CHL Import Draft

July 5, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint, Mich. - With the 37th overall selection in the 2023 CHL Import Draft, the Flint Firebirds selected Swedish forward Markas Samenas.

Samenas re-entered the Import Draft after playing last season with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The 6-foot-5 216-pound forward scored 6 G and added 7 A in 55 GP for the Titan this year.

"We are very happy to welcome Markas to the Firebirds organization," General Manager Dave McParlan said. "He's a big-bodied, versatile forward, of strong character, who we had our eye on last year. We feel he will really complement our team well."

Prior to his time in the Q, Samenas played in his home country of Sweden for Karlskrona HK of the J18 Region and J20 Nationell. In 29 GP for Karlskrona HK J18 during the 2021-22 season, he scored 7 G and added 14 A.

"We've had the luxury of seeing video as well as live summer skates," Head Scout Mike Oliverio said. "Our staff likes the way he thinks the game and has the vision and ability to find teammates through seams and open space. He skates and moves well for his size and we feel he protects the puck when in possession. The added bonus is that he has already acclimated to the North American style of play."

The CHL Import Draft is seen as a way to raise the level of competition in the CHL and broaden its fan base while retaining high North American content.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from July 5, 2023


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