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OHL Flint Firebirds

Preview: Firebirds Host Barrie Saturday Night in Flint

November 21, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


The Flint Firebirds (9-9-1-1) return home to the Dort Federal Event Center tonight against the Barrie Colts who are currently in first place in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference with a 13-7-0-0 record. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. (ET).

The Firebirds have partnered with Bubba O'Malley's, ELGA Credit Union, Michigan State Police, NBC 25 and Cumulus Radio to "Stuff a Blue Goose" benefiting the Toys for Tots Foundation. Fans are encouraged to bring a new toy to the Firebirds Merchandise Store, valued at $10 or more, to receive a free bronze level ticket to the game compliments of Shaltz Automation.

Earlier this season, despite scoring five goals the Firebirds were edged by the Colts 8-5 on Oct. 22 in Barrie. Nick Caamano scored two goals in the contest and Will Bitten tallied one goal and an assist for two points as well.

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.

Radio & TV Coverage

Fans unable to attend Saturday night's game can listen live in Flint and Mid-Michigan on 1330 AM WTRX Sports Radio and around the world online on the iHeartRadio app. Dominic Hennig will call the play-by-play action on the Flint Firebirds Hockey Radio Network. Pregame coverage will begin at 7 p.m.

Saturday's game against the Colts will be televised live in Barrie on Rogers TV channel 10 and across the province of Ontario on the OHL Action Pak on Rogers channel 437. OHL fans with Rogers Cable 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 Saturday evening's game, 64 of the Firebirds' 68 games throughout the 2015-16 season are also scheduled to be televised live across the province of Ontario on the OHL Action Pak.

All Flint Firebirds home and away games throughout the 2015-16 season can be watched anywhere in the world online on OHL Live and on the OHL Live App. OHL Live is a league video streaming platform that delivers high quality live and on-demand coverage of all regular season and playoff games annually. The cost is $6.99 per game, $69.99 for Flint Firebirds away games only, $179.99 for all 68 home and away Firebirds games and $279.99 for all 1,360 OHL games throughout the 2015-16 season.

Players to Watch:

Flint:

Connor Chatham recorded three assists and Ryan Moore extended his point streak to six games after recording two goals last night in Guelph. Will Bitten has also recorded a point in each of the previous six contests after tallying two assists against the Storm.

The Firebirds will also have the opportunity to add defenseman Josh Wesley (Carolina '14) back into the lineup after serving a four game suspension from the OHL.

Bitten leads the Firebirds with 10 goals and 19 assists totaling 29 points in 20 games played this season. Ryan Moore has 10 goals and seven assists for 17 points in 20 games played. Vili Saarijärvi (Detroit '15) leads the Firebirds on the blue line with 18 points also through 20 games this season.

Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic (Carolina '14) has a 6-4-1-0 record in 12 games played with a .903 save percentage and a 3.35 goals against average. Rookie goaltender Kyle Keyser has a 1-2 record through four games with a .916 save percentage including a 2.77 goals against average.

There are five players on the Flint Firebirds roster that are drafted in the National Hockey League. Alex Nedeljkovic and Josh Wesley were both selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2014 NHL Draft. In the same draft, the New Jersey Devils nabbed Connor Chatham while Alex Peters was chosen by the Dallas Stars. Most recently, Vili Saarijärvi was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings this past June in the 2015 NHL Draft.

In addition, Will Bitten, Nicholas Caamano, Jacob Collins, Matyáš Kantner, Dane Johnstone, and Håkon Nilsen are eligible to be selected in the 2016 NHL Draft in Buffalo in June.

Barrie:

Andrew Mangiapane leads the Colts with 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 20 games this season. Second on the team is Kevin Lebanc with 10 goals and 20 assist thus far also in 20 games played.

In net the Colts have Mackenzie Blackwood with a 13-6-0-0 record and a .929 save percentage in addition to a 2.37 goals against average. Rookie goaltender Ruan Badenhorst holds a .843 save percentage and a 5.43 GAA in two games played this season.

The Barrie Colts saw nine players attend NHL training camps this fall: Rasmus Andersson (Calgary), Mackenzie Blackwood (New Jersey), Ben Harpur (Ottawa), Kevin Labanc (San Jose), Brendan Lemieux (Winnipeg), Andrew Mangiapane (Calgary), Julius Nattinen (Anaheim), Roy Radke (Chicago) and Justin Scott (Chicago).

Special Teams

After scoring three goals on five opportunities last night, the Firebirds' power-play jumped five spots to 11th out of 20 teams in the OHL. On the man-advantage, Flint is converting at an 18.3% success-rate scoring 15 goals on 83 opportunities. On the penalty kill, the Firebirds are also 11th in the OHL, operating at 79.3%. Flint has scored two shorthanded goals and has successfully killed 73 of 92 penalties this season.

Next Home Games

The Firebirds face-off against the Erie Otters at 5 p.m. on Sunday and it's Dort Federal Credit Union Family Night! The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a pair of thunder sticks courtesy of Dort Federal Credit Union. There will be a bounce house, face painters, balloon twisters and a post-game a skate with the players, with rental skates available as well.

On Wednesday, Nov. 25, the Firebirds host in-state rival, Saginaw Spirit for College Night. $2 beers and $2 hot dogs will be on sale throughout the game. The Firebirds are also teaming up with C&L Ward and Catholic Charities to support the "Stuff the Van" charity drive which begins 25 days of giving leading up to Christmas. The Firebirds will be collecting non-perishable food items, toiletries and winter wear at the Dort Federal Event Center starting on Nov. 22. Sponsored by The Hamo Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Firebirds' fans can bring in three or more of these items to receive one free bronze level ticket to the game.

The Firebirds pregame party always begins two hours prior to puck drop and will feature drinks, food and music until game time.

Saarijärvi Tabbed as OHL Defenseman of the Month

Flint Firebirds 18 year-old blueliner Vili Saarijärvi was named the OHL Defenseman of the Month in November. The Detroit Red Wings prospect put together an outstanding first full month in the OHL, scoring two goals along with 9 assists for 11 points in 11 contests to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-9.

The Finnish rearguard registered points in seven of his 11 October appearances, scoring his first OHL goal as part of a two-goal effort against the Ottawa 67's on October 16th. Saarijärvi had three multi-point performances, including three assists against the Peterborough Petes on October 11th. Saarijärvi is currently tied for the lead in scoring among OHL defensemen with two goals, 14 assists and 16 points in 14 games.

Group Ticket Packages

Whether you're entertaining corporate clients, celebrating a special occasion, having a fun night out with the family and friends or rewarding employees...we have a fun, easy and affordable plan for you. It's more than a ticket, it's an experience! Contact Shane Stout to book your group outing today: (810) 742-2004 or via email at shane@flintfirebirds.com.

Flint Firebirds Hockey Radio Coach's Show

Join the Voice of the Firebirds Dominic Hennig and Head Coach John Gruden from 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday night on 1330 WTRX Sports Radio and around the world online on the iHeartRadio App here. Hennig and Gruden recap the previous week of events, preview the upcoming games on the ice and take your phone calls, emails and tweets! Tune in each Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. on 1330 AM WTRX Sports Radio.

Firebirds Gear

Stop by the Flint Firebirds Merchandise Store at the Dort Federal Event Center, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. to stock up on the best Firebirds' gear around. Jerseys, shirts, hats, hoodies, game pucks, mouse pads and other accessories and collectables are available at the Flint Firebirds Merchandise Store.

Social Media

Stay connected with the Flint Firebirds 24-7-365. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Vine, YouTube, etc. Find all of the Firebirds social media handles online at www.flintfirebirds.com/socialmedia.

Tweet Your Seat!

Follow the Flint Firebirds on Twitter @FlintFirebirds, take a selfie in your seat then "Tweet Your Seat" at each of this weekend's home games for a chance to win four NCG movie tickets, courtesy of Dort Federal Credit Union.

Check out the Flint Firebirds Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 21, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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