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OHL Flint Firebirds

Flint Wins Overtime Thriller in Saginaw for I-75 Divide Cup Lead

February 3, 2016 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint Firebirds Celebrate a Goal
Flint Firebirds Celebrate a Goal
(Flint Firebirds)

Flint, Mich. - Ryan Moore scored with 35 seconds remaining in overtime to earn the Firebirds a 4-3 victory over the Saginaw Spirit on Wednesday night. With the win, the Firebirds now lead the Coors Light I-75 Divide Cup Series 4-3, with one game remaining on March 2nd in Flint.

Francesco Vilardi scored his first of the night and seventh of the season 5:59 into the first period when Alex Di Carlo forced a turnover at the Spirit blueline. Di Carlo dished the puck to Vilardi in the slot who deked Saginaw's Evan Cormier before scoring gloveside for the early lead.

On his very next shift 2:52 seconds later, Vilardi scored in similar fashion. Jacob Collins forced a turnover at the Spirit blueline and found Vilardi in the Saginaw slot again who deflected the puck past Cormier's legs for his second of the night.

The Firebirds earned a three-goal lead in the first period when Vili Saarijärvi attempted to find Dane Johnstone at the Saginaw blueline. A Spirit defenseman deflected the puck to the far Saginaw corner where Johnstone was first on the puck. Johnstone found a crashing Nicholas Caamano who one-timed the puck below Cormier and into the net, earing Flint a three-goal lead headed into the locker room after the first period of play.

Saginaw would score the lone goal in the middle frame when Mike Davies converted from the slot on a turnover in the Firebirds zone. Kris Bennett then brought the game within one 7:57 into the third period, scoring shortside from the top of the left circle. Then, Saginaw's Hayden Hodgson tied the game with 3:37 remaining in the contest on the power play from the right circle forcing the third overtime between the two club's through seven games this season.

After numerous scoring opportunities in the extra frame, Ryan Moore earned Flint the 4-3 series lead in the Coors Light I-75 Divide Cup, scoring on a backhander from the right wall, between Cormier's legs with 35 seconds left in the game.

Flint's Brent Moran earned 37 saves on 40 shots in the 4-3 victory over Saginaw, recording his first victory in a Firebirds uniform.

The Firebirds return home to the Dort Federal Event Center this Friday for Mardi Gras night against the Sudbury Wolves. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, free beaded necklaces will be passed out to all fans in attendance and everyone is asked to wear purple. Fans can also purchase a $15 Silver Level ticket through ticketmaster.com and enter code RELAY to donate $5 to the American Cancer Society.

Tickets are $12/Bronze, $15/Silver, $19/Gold and $25/VIP and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or by visiting or calling the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at (810) 744-0580. Saturday and Sunday game day box office hours begin at 10 a.m.

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Flint Firebirds Celebrate a Goal
Flint Firebirds Celebrate a Goal
   

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