Flint Earns 3-1 Series Lead over Saginaw in I-75 Divide Cup
November 25, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release
Flint, Mich. - Three Firebirds recorded multi-point nights in a 4-2 victory over the Saginaw Spirit on Wednesday evening. The Firebirds now hold a 3-1 series lead in the Coors Light I-75 Divide Cup and improved to 2-0 on home ice against the Spirit.
Saginaw would strike first 1:05 into the game after Mike Davies found Kris Bennett in the slot who scored to give the Spirit their only lead of the night.
Firebirds' Defenseman Josh Wesley would tie the contest 1-1 and recording his second of the season from the right point scoring over Cormier's left shoulder at 5:47 of the opening frame.
While on the power-play in the second period, a Connor Sills' shot would be deflected into the cage to earn Flint the go-ahead goal with 1:23 remaining.
Flint would then increase their lead to two goals on a tic-tac-toe play midway through the final frame. From the point and while on the power-play, Henderson found Bitten at the bottom of the left circle who one-touched the puck to Chatham at the top of Saginaw's crease before scoring top-shelf for his fifth of the season and the eventual game winner.
Almost three minutes later, Saginaw's Artemov scored on the power-play from the left circle before Mercer scored Flint's fourth goal of the evening on a second effort attempt from Zach Grzelewski. While in the Saginaw zone, Grzelewski stripped a Spirit forward and dished the puck to a diving Mercer who buried top shelf for his fourth of the season and the final lamp-lighter of the evening.
The Firebirds were 2-for-5 on the man-advantage while the Spirit were 1-for-4 on the power-play. With the win, Alex Nedeljkovic recorded his seventh victory between the pipes this season making 21 saves on 23 shots. Cormier received the loss after making 29 saves on Flint's 33 shots. Connor Chatham was awarded the game's first star while Josh Wesley received second star honors and Mathieu Henderson chosen as the third star.
Next up for Flint, the Firebirds will travel to Sudbury for a Saturday night contest against the Wolves at 7 p.m. (ET). The game will be televised live in Sudbury on Eastlink channel 10 and across the province of Ontario on the OHL Action Pak on Rogers channel 471. In addition, fans can listen to the game live in Flint and Mid-Michigan on 1330 WTRX Sports Radio and around the world online on the iHeartRadio app.
Following a three game road trip, the Firebirds return back to Flint on Dec. 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.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 25, 2015
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