Henderson's Overtime Winner Lifts Flint over Windsor
Published on December 3, 2015 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release
Windsor, Ont. - Mathieu Henderson scored 35 seconds into overtime Thursday night to earn the Firebirds a 4-3 victory over the Windsor Spitfires in front of more than 4,000 fans at the WFCU Centre Center.
The Spitfires lead 2-0 before Flint scored their first goal of the evening with 6.9 seconds remaining in the first period. Zack Pittman fired the puck on net from the left wing before Ryan Moore buried home the rebound to cut the Firebirds deficit in half.
Then, 25 seconds into the second period, Vili Saarijarvi found the back of the net from the point through traffic to tie the game 2-2. Approaching the midway point of the game, Josh Wesley blasted the puck into the Spitfires' zone where Zach Grzelewski's extra effort behind the net lead to a pass to Cullen Mercer at the bottom of the right circle who one-timed the puck into the net to earn the Firebirds a 3-2 lead.
Windsor's Mikhail Sergachev scored on the power play from the point over Nedeljkovic's left shoulder with 1:05 remaining in the middle frame to tie the contest 3-3.
The score remained knotted-up through regulation forcing overtime when Wesley sprung Henderson for a breakaway for the game-winning goal.
With the victory, Flint improves to 13-11-1-1 overall and is tied for second place in the West Division with Sarnia and fifth place in the Western Conference.
Alex Nedeljkovic was awarded the game's second star making 29 saves on 32 shots and is now 7-2-1-0 in his last 10 games played.
The Firebirds return back to Flint tomorrow night against the Saginaw Spirit at 7:30 p.m. (ET). It's Teddy Bear Toss Night! Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear to the game. When the Firebirds score their first goal, fans are encouraged to throw their bear onto the ice. It's a great visual for a great cause. Bears will also be sold in the arena lobby prior to game time. The bears and cash donations will benefit the following local charities in Flint and Genesee County: The Ennis Center for Children, Hurley Children's Hospital, Saint Luke's N.E.W. Life Center, Teddy Bear Patrol, Whaley Children's Center and others.
Also, all fans in attendance will receive free orange Flint Firebirds rally towels and a chance to win (4) Fitbit's compliments of HAP (Health Alliance Plan).
Two red kettles will be passed through the stands to collect donations for the Salvation Army and a replica Flint Firebirds team signed jersey will be silent-auctioned at the Salvation Army table on the concourse.
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 December 3, 2015
- Michael McLeod and Nylander Each Score 2 in 5-3 Win - Brampton Steelheads
- Henderson's Overtime Winner Lifts Flint over Windsor - Flint Firebirds
- IceDogs Drop 5-3 Decision to Steelheads - Niagara IceDogs
- OHL Announces November Academic Players of the Month - OHL
- OHL this Week - OHL
- Fans Can Win with the Chapters Elfie on a Shelfie Selfie Contest - Peterborough Petes
- Attack Tangle with Otters - Owen Sound Attack
- Nylander Named OHL Rookie of the Month - Brampton Steelheads
- Preview: Firebirds, Spitfires Set to Battle Thursday Night - Flint Firebirds
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