Firebirds Weekly Roundup, September 21-27
FLINT — The Firebirds opened the 2026-27 season on the road in Saginaw a week ago. In a high-paced game where neither team led by more than a single goal, the Birds came out on top with a 5-4 decision. Returning forward Xavier Tessier stole the show, recording his first OHL hat trick to lead Flint’s offense. His first goal of the night was just eight seconds into the contest, which set a new record for the fastest goal in franchise history. Brighton, Michigan native Darian Anderson (New York Rangers) and Brady Smith also scored in the tilt. Mason Courville turned aside 22 of 26 shots faced for the first victory of his sophomore season. The Birds took the early 1-0 series lead in the annual I-75 Divide Cup, presented by Coors Light.
The second game of the new campaign was Friday evening at the WFCU Centre in Windsor. The score remained knotted at 0-0 through 20 minutes of play, but the Spitfires scored just 21 seconds into the middle frame. From there, the Flint offense erupted to hang three unanswered goals before the 40-minute mark. Josh Bonnyman and Jimmy Lombardi (LA Kings) each logged their first of the season, followed by Anderson’s second. Windsor scored again early in the third to cut the deficit to 3-2, but a late empty-netter from Martins Klaucans sealed the 4-2 win. Courville stopped 27 of 29 shots for his second win of the new year.
The Birds’ home opener was Saturday at the Dort Financial Center, as they hosted the Niagara IceDogs. The Birds fell behind 2-0 in the first period. The momentum gained led to quick back-to-back tallies 61 seconds apart for the Firebirds. Anderson scored his third in three games before rookie defender Lucas Nutting netted his first OHL goal. Former Firebird Chase Hull completed the Gordie Howe Hat Trick, scoring his first of the campaign before the second intermission, putting Niagara on top 3-2. The Dogs tallied twice more in the final frame, including an empty-netter to seal the win. This was the second consecutive year and third time in four meetings where the IceDogs spoiled the home opener for Flint. Despite trailing on the scoreboard, the Birds outshot Niagara 43-19. Goaltender Connor Haffner earned his first OHL victory and was given ‘First Star’ honors for a 41-save performance in net for the visitors.
Heading into the third week of the season, Flint carries a record of 2-1-0-0. Across the three games to start the season, the Firebirds outshot the opposition 89-74. At the faceoff dots, the Birds haven’t been outdrawn yet with a three-game surplus of 105-73. The power play stands at 2-for-15 (13.3%) and the penalty kill has been successful on eight of 12 (66.7%) opportunities.
LEADERBOARD
Tessier and Anderson lead the Birds with three goals each. Joining them with three points are James Paul and Cooper Williams with three helpers apiece. Lombardi is joined by Martins Klaucans and Brady Smith with a goal and assist each for two points. Klaucans, Flint’s first-round draft pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, has won an impressive 23 of 29 (79.3%) faceoff attempts. Courville has donned the pads in all three games to date, earning two wins and sporting a 3.35 goals-against average and a save percentage of .863.
COMING UP
Flint returns to action on home ice Saturday (10/3) when the Soo Greyhounds invade the Dort Financial Center. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m., and tickets are available HERE. Saturday’s contest is the annual Dort Financial Family Night. Dort Financial Credit Union members are eligible to receive up to four FREE silver level tickets at the Dort Financial Center Box Office (only).
The team heads across the border to battle the London Knights in a 2 p.m. matinee game on Sunday. Fans can witness all the action throughout the season by downloading the FloHockey app or visiting their website HERE. Broadcaster Matt Merrifield will have the play-by-play audio broadcast for all 68 games this season on the MixIr app, which can be downloaded HERE. The pre-game show on MixIr goes live 15 minutes before puck drop.
Story: Brandon Mills
Photo: Natalie Shaver, OHL Images
