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Flint Firebirds

Preview: Firebirds & Bulldogs Clash in Flint Friday

January 11, 2019 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint Firebirds vs. the Hamilton Bulldogs
Flint Firebirds vs. the Hamilton Bulldogs
(Flint Firebirds)

Flint, Mich. - The Firebirds were in Windsor last night and continue the weekend stanza Friday evening on home-ice against the Hamilton Bulldogs. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. (ET) at Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center in Flint.

Friday continues the "Firebirds Fight Hunger" month. In partnership with the Foodbank of Eastern Michigan fans can bring in five non-perishable food items to the Firebirds' merchandise store, The Birds Nest, at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center for a complimentary Silver Level ticket, courtesy of Dort Federal Credit Union, AMD Urgent Care, Captain's Quarters Lounge, Little Caesars Pizza and Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) Flint.

Of note, for the past 62 years since 1957, the cities of Flint, Michigan and Hamilton, Ontario have partnered for the CANUSA Games (Canada vs. USA), providing the youth (and adults) of both cities an opportunity to participate in international friendship Games. During that time, the two cities have officially become "sister cities" which are cities that partner with each other to promote human contact and cultural links.

Ironically, six Flint Firebirds have ties to Hamilton. Two Flint skaters suited up for the Bulldogs before being acquired by Flint: Riley McCourt and Connor Roberts. Jake Durham was a seventh-round pick in the 2015 OHL Draft by Hamilton, but was signed as a free agent by the Firebirds. Jack Phibbs (Hagersville), Jack Wismer (Stoney Creek) and assistant coach Garrett Rutledge (Waterdown) all reside within 30 miles (or 52 kilometers) from the Bulldogs' rink. More so, in the past three seasons since September 28th, 2016, Flint and Hamilton has also completed four different trades, sending five Firebirds to Hamilton (Bitten, Caamano, Jeník, Mattinen & Moore) while also receiving four Bulldogs (Gordeev, Hicks, McCourt & Roberts) in those transactions.

Friday marks the second of two meetings between the clubs this season, and the only tilt in Flint. The two teams have always played each other tight. Earlier this season, the Bulldogs skated to a 4 - 2 decision over the Firebirds in Hamilton. Last season, each team won in their home building by a final score of 4-3. Flint's all-time record in the series is 2-3-1-1, with a home record of 2-0-1-0. In seven total meetings since Flint's inception into the OHL, every battle has been settled by two goals or fewer. Five of the seven games were decided by a single goal, with two meetings requiring overtime and one needing a shootout.

Most recently, the Firebirds dropped a close game Thursday night in Windsor (watch highlights). Dennis Busby (Arizona Coyotes) made his highly-anticipated return to the lineup, picking up two points and earning 'Second-Star' honors. Jacob Winterton scored his eighth goal. Emmet Pierce scored his first career goal in his very first contest in OHL. Cody Morgan also had a milestone game, picking up an assist in the 100th OHL game of his career. Morgan was acquired from Windsor last week. Hamilton was off Thursday after surrendering a 3-1 defeat in Saginaw.

Blue Line Club Menu:

Presented by Great Lakes Sandwich Co & Cafe, Friday evening's dinner menu for the Blue Line Club features pork tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, spaghetti with meat sauce, garden salad and dinner rolls. The menu is available to all sponsors and season ticket holders for $12 per person. Dinner RSVP's are encouraged by emailing Karla Turner at karla@flintfirebirds.com.

Broadcast Coverage:

Friday evening's contest can be heard live on the radio throughout Flint & Mid-Michigan on US 103.1 FM, online at www.us103.com or by downloading the US 103 app here. Dominic Hennig will call the play-by-play action with pre-game coverage beginning 30 minutes prior to puck drop at 6:30 p.m.

The game will be televised live in Hamilton on Channel 14 / 814 (HD) for both Rogers TV & Cogeco TV cable subscribers. Across the province of Ontario, the contest will be aired on the OHL Action Pak on channel 446 for both Rogers TV and Cogeco TV cable subscribers. OHL fans with cable television in Ontario can add the OHL Action Pak to their television plan to catch the Firebirds in action, home or away all season long. Along with Friday's game, 65 of the Firebirds' 68 games throughout the 2018-19 season are also scheduled to be televised live across the province of Ontario on the OHL Action Pak.

Check out the Flint Firebirds Statistics




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Flint Firebirds vs. the Hamilton Bulldogs
Flint Firebirds vs. the Hamilton Bulldogs
   

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