OHL Flint Firebirds

Top-Ranked London Earns One Goal Victory in Flint Wednesday

Published on January 30, 2019 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


Flint, Mich. - The Firebirds led the Western Conference's first-place London Knights 1 - 0 after the first period and trailed 3 - 2 after 40 minutes. Despite Flint scoring in the final minute to bring the game within one, London held on for a 4 - 3 victory. Emmet Pierce scored for Flint, logging his first goal against his former club. Evan Vierling and Cody Morgan also lit-the-lamp for the Firebirds. Between the pipes, Luke Cavallin was stellar, making 41 saves on 45 shots.

Emmet Pierce scored the lone goal of the opening frame at 7:53. Jacob Winterton won a puck battle in the right offensive circle that resulted in a short drop-pass to Pierce. The first-year forward one-timed the pass past netminder Joseph Raaymakers on the ice for his fourth of the season. Alternate Captain Jack Phibbs picked up the second assist. First-period shots were 16 - 11 in London's favor.

The Knights tied the game at 5:42 of the second on an unassisted goal from Liam Foudy (Columbus). The goal was his 26th of the season to extend his point-streak to 11 games. At 8:46, Foudy netted his second of the game and 27th of the campaign from point-blank range. This time, Joey Keane (New York Rangers) and Cole Tymkin were credited with the helpers.

Just past the midway point of the game, first-year forward Evan Vierling sprung free on an all-out breakaway from the blue line in. He made a move between the circles before lifting a forehand shot over the right shoulder of Raaymakers. Eric Uba and Riley McCourt picked up the assists. The goal was Vierling's fifth of the season, scored at 10:39.

London reclaimed the lead at 15:27 of the middle frame. Nathan Dunkley took a shot from the right side of the slot on a two-on-one. Cavallin made the initial save, but Connor McMichael pounced on the rebound in front and lifted it over the sprawling netminder's left shoulder for his 30th of the season. Josh Nelson earned the second assist on the tally. The Knights outshot Flint 19 - 12 in the second period for a two-period advantage of 35 - 23.

Gerard Keane scored his third of the season at 4:03 of the third period. He fired a shot from just inside the offensive blue line that was deflected on goal past Cavallin. Alec Regula (Detroit Red Wings) and Antonio Stranges assisted on the play.

Trailing by two, Flint pulled Cavallin to the bench for the extra attacker near the two-minute mark. It took time, but Cody Morgan scored the Firebirds' third goal with 11 seconds showing on the game clock. Hakon Nilsen took the initial shot from the right point that was saved by Raaymakers, but the rebound went to Morgan in the left circle for the one-timer before the London goaltender could recover. Former Knight Vladislav Kolyachonok earned the second assist.

Flint would get one more quality scoring opportunity with six skaters on the ice, but to no avail. Final shots were 45 - 39, with the Firebirds outshooting the Knights in final frame 16 - 10.

Next up for Flint, the Firebirds and Saginaw Spirit will begin a home-and-home series this Friday night when the two clubs face-off at the Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. (ET) in game six of the Coors Light I-75 Divide Cup. Friday, is a '4 Pack Friday,' featuring (4) tickets, (4) hot dogs and (4) soft drinks, starting at just $60.

Check out the Flint Firebirds Statistics

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 30, 2019


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