Firebirds Name Paul Flache Head Coach
FLINT, Mich. – The Flint Firebirds announced on Friday that Paul Flache will be taking over head coaching duties from Ted Dent.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity and grateful for the support of the organization,” said Flache. “I can’t wait to continue to work with our players and to put the best possible team on the ice.”
Flache joined the staff prior to the season for his second stint in Flint. He was an associate head coach for the Firebirds during the 2017-18 season and prior to returning, spent the past three years with the Atlanta Mad Hatters of the USPHL, most recently as the team’s head coach and general manager.
Flache played 190 games in the OHL for the Brampton Battalion and was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft and again by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 2002 draft. He went on to play a combined 535 professional games in 10 seasons which included stops in the AHL, ECHL and DEL, the top professional league in Germany.
“We are confident that Paul’s experience makes him the right man to fill this role,” said Firebirds general manager Dave McParlan. “He’s excellent with the kids and is a true teacher. His time in the league as a both player and an associate coach gives him a tremendous ability to help develop these players both as athletes and young men.”
Assistant coach Reijo Ruotsalainen, assistant and skills development coach Saverio Posa and goaltending coach Greg Stefan will remain on staff in their existing roles.
“I feel lucky to be able to continue to work with Reijo, Saverio, Greg, and our entire staff,” said Flache.
Dent had been Flint’s head coach since the 2021-22 season.
“We would like to thank Ted for his dedication to the organization,” said McParlan. “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Flache’s first game as the head coach of the Firebirds will take place on Saturday night against the Soo Greyhounds. It’s Dort Financial Family Night and the first 3,000 fans will receive a free Firebirds jersey. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Dort Financial Center.
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