OHL Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Take Down Previously Undefeated Knights Saturday Night in Flint

Published on November 6, 2021 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint, Mich. - The Firebirds handed the 9-0 London Knights their first loss of the season in Flint Saturday night. Luke Cavallin had an impressive showing in the net, turning aside 24 of 26 shots from the league's hottest offense. Across the rink, the OHL's top-ranked goaltender Brett Brochu allowed three goals on 26 shots. Tyler Deline, Riley Piercey, and Luca D'Amato each scored for the Firebirds. D'Amato and Deline also had an assist each, earning them second and third-star honors. Piercey was the game's first start with the game-winning goal. Liam Gilmartin and Denver Barker were London's goal-scorers. On special teams, the 'Birds scored once on six power-play opportunities while keeping the Knights scoreless on two chances with the man advantage.

It was a penalty-ridden opening period for the Knights. Flint was unable to solve the OHL's hottest goaltender initially, even with several quality chances on a five-on-three man-advantage early in the game. However, shortly after the last of London's penalties expired, Luca D'Amato chipped the puck out of his defensive end along the left-wing boards. Coulson Pitre gathered the biscuit and streaked up ice into the offensive zone. He made a backhand drop-pass to defenseman Tyler Deline, and Deline ripped a quick wrist shot up high, far-side to break the scoreless tie. Deline's marker was his second of the season, logged at 8:25.

With 20 minutes in the books, the 'Birds held onto a 1-0 lead. Flint's advantage in shots-on-goal stood at 14-7. London held a slight edge in the faceoff circle 9-7.

Early in the second, Cavallin was forced to make a couple of back-to-back saves on quality chances for the Knights. First, on a two-on-one in the low slot, the Flint netminder flashed his left pad and kicked the puck to the right corner. The Knights cycled it back to the right point for a slap shot, that was easily kicked aside by Cavallin again. Once again, the puck cycled back to Ben Roger at the point, and once again he wound and fired on net. This time Liam Gilmartin was in front to redirect the puck past Cavallin for his first OHL goal at 2:30 of the second period.

Less than one minute later, Stuart Rolofs sent a breakout pass from his neutral zone to Max McCue (San Jose Sharks) at the blue line. McCue hit the trailing Denver Barker with a pass as he crossed the blue line. Barker snapped a quick shot on the net that deflected off a Flint defender and past Cavallin, low blocker-side. The goal was Barker's first in the OHL, logged at 3:27.

Flint was quick to rally back and tie the contest. Dmitry Kuzmin (Winnipeg Jets) carried the puck up-ice in front of the players' benches. Once in the offensive zone, he passed to Amadeus Lombardi between the circles. Lombardi quickly dealt the puck to Luca D'Amato poised and ready in the left circle for a blistering one-timer that struck twin. D'Amato's second of the season knotted the score at 8:12 of the middle frame.

The 'Birds claimed their second lead of the night at 17:31 of the second period. Deline passed from the center point just inside his offensive blue line to Othmann along the right-wing boards. Othmann cycled the puck down low to Riley Piercey in the trapezoid to Brochu's left. As a London defender slid through the goal crease, Piercey snapped a quick shot in front that deflected off the rearguard's equipment and slid under Brochu for his first of the season.

Second-period shots were 10-6 in favor of the visitors from London. Both teams were unable to convert on one power-play chance. The Knights won ten of 17 second-period draws.

The third period featured plenty of back-and-forth action, with premium scoring chances at both ends of the ice. The goaltenders stood tall, each keeping their club in contention for the victory. With 2:30 remaining, London thought they logged the equalizer. The play was reviewed, and the puck did trickle past Cavallin. However, Flint's netminder was able to reach behind himself and get the glove on it before it crossed the goal line. Brochu remained on the London bench for an extra attacker from that point. Their coaching staff utilized their one timeout with 1:02 on the game clock to strategize. Despite the extra man and extra effort, Cavallin and the Flint defense stymied the attack and preserved the 3-2 triumph.

Final shots were even at 26 per side. London held the upper hand in the faceoff circle by a margin of 28-21.

Next Home Game: The Firebirds return to home ice Friday, Nov 12 to host their in-state rivals, the Saginaw Spirit. Friday's game is the annual Pucks for Paws event, where fans are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends to the rink. All dogs in attendance will receive a complimentary Firebirds' leash. Good seats are still available for the next installment of the I-75 Divide Cup, presented by Coors Light. Single-game tickets for all Firebirds games are $15 Bronze, $18 Silver, $21 Gold and $26 VIP seating (Seating Chart). All seats are reserved/assigned seating. Fans can purchase tickets by calling (810) 744-0580, in-person at the Dort Financial Center Box Office or online at etix.com.

Check out the Flint Firebirds Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 6, 2021


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