Firebirds' Winning Streak Snapped in North Bay Sunday
November 29, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release
Flint Firebirds Center Francesco Vilardi
(Flint Firebirds)
North Bay, Ont. - Flint's Francesco Vilardi scored two goals in a 6-3 loss to the North Bay Battallion on Saturday night ending the Firebirds' three-game winning streak.
North Bay would score first 4:02 in the opening frame in a game that was the fifth in nine days for the Firebirds. North Bay's Mike Amadio scored his first of the game from the slot to give the Battalion the early lead.
With 6:40 remaining in the first period, a shorthanded goal for the Battalion from Mathew Santos increased the Battalion's lead to two goals. North Bay lead the league in shorthanded goals with 13 leading into Sunday's game while Mississauga and Barrie are tied for second with six.
Late in the initial period, Santos would score again for the Battalion centering the puck between the circles that would bounce off a Firebirds' skate into the Flint goal giving the Battalion a 3-0 lead after one period of play.
Vilardi would score the lone goal at 16:24 of the second period as he centered the puck towards North Bay's slot from the bottom of the left circle and was deflected into the net for Flint's first goal of the evening.
Then, Vilardi tallied his fifth of the season and second of the night from the bottom of the right circle, top shelf past Jake Smith's left shoulder to bringing the game within one goal.
North Bay's Max Kislinger scored the eventual game winning goal on a one-timer after receiving a skilled pass from a spinning Miles Liberati from the bottom of the right circle with 9:56 remaining in the game.
Will Bitten cut the Battalion's lead in half at 11:38 of the final frame on a breakaway. It was 4-3 North Bay.
North Bay's Amadio scored his second of the night on a snap-shot from the right circle before Brett McKenzie added an empty net goal 45 seconds remaining.
Next up, Flint will travel to Windsor for a Thursday evening contest against the Spitfires. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. (ET) in a game that will be televised live on Cogeco TV channel 11 in Windsor and across the province of Ontario on the OHL Action Pak for cable subscribers on channel 440. Fans can catch the game in Flint and Mid-Michigan on 1330 WTRX Sports Radio with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Following a three-game road trip, the Firebirds return back to Flint on December 4th for a Friday night game against the Saginaw Spirit. It's Teddy Bear Toss Night! Fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear to the game or purchase one at the Dort Federal Event Center and when the Firebirds score their first goal, launch them onto the ice! The bears and their proceeds will benefit various local charities throughout Flint and Genesee County. In addition, compliments of Hap Insurance, all fans in attendance will also receive a free orange Flint Firebirds rally towel and there will be one Fitbit given away to a lucky fan in attendance each period.
Tickets are $12 for bronze, $15 for silver and $19 for corporate/gold seating and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by visiting the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by phone at (810) 744-0580.
Images from this story
 Flint Firebirds Center Francesco Vilardi |
Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 29, 2015
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