Goaltender Patrick Sutherland Commits to Flint
Flint, Mich. – The Flint Firebirds announced today that goaltender Patrick Sutherland has committed to an Ontario Hockey League standard player agreement with the club.
“We are excited to welcome Patrick to the Firebird family,” General Manager Dave McParlan said. “He has put a lot of work into his development since we first saw him over a year ago, and that hard work has paid off.”
Sutherland was selected in the 12th round (240th overall) of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-6, 212-pound netminder was selected by the Firebirds out of the U16 Toronto Titans in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL).
“I’m ecstatic,” Sutherland said on officially signing. “I’ve been treated super well here (in Flint). It’s all been great. I’d like to thank my parents for taking the time to be as committed as I am. Trainers, coaches, and other family and friends have all helped make this possible.”
The Nobleton, Ont.-native spent last season with U18 Ajax/Pickering Raiders where he produced a 1.76 GAA in 19 GP in the ETAHL. His GAA ranked sixth among all eligible goaltenders. He also went on to produce a 1.02 GAA to go along with two shutouts in the ETAHL U18 playoffs.
“I am a very technically sound goalie,” Sutherland said about his game. “I like to get to the spots in time and I’d say I’m very controlling with the puck.”
Sutherland now joins Edmonton Oilers draft pick Nathan Day and fellow 2022 OHL draftee Jacob Brown in the Firebirds’ goaltending room. He will wear number 33 for Flint.
“I’m expecting to try and win games whenever I’m in the net,” he added. “I want to be a team player and give my all for whatever is needed of me. I want to always give the fans a show.”
Scouting Report from Head Scout Mike Oliverio: We like how Patrick’s game has progressed over the last couple of years. He is just turning 17 and is starting to grow into his 6-foot-6 frame. Our staff feels he has good footwork and is good down low. He is a very technically sound goalie who competes well. Patrick has a lot of upside potential and has earned the right to vie for a spot.”
The Flint Firebirds are now just 15 days away from the regular season! They return to action on Friday, September 29 at 7:07 p.m. against the Soo in the GFL Memorial Gardens and for the Home Opener against the Kitchener Rangers at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30.
2023-24 Flint Firebirds Season Memberships remain on sale! Memberships start as low as $408 for the full season. Benefits for full-season membership holders include FREE parking ($340 value), $102 of ticket savings for all of the 2023-24 season, (4) complimentary tickets to regular-season games in Saginaw, (2) buddy vouchers to bring a friend to any Firebirds’ game, any game unused ticket redemption and an exclusive invitation to team and player events.
Single-game Tickets are on sale NOW! on Etix.com and at the Dort Financial Center Box Office. Additionally, the Birds’ Nest is still hosting a storewide sale on merchandise, game pucks, game-used items, and MUCH more until September 8th. The Box Office is back to its regular scheduled business hours from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Continue to follow @FlintFirebirds on all social media channels to learn more about team movement, ticket sales, promotions, giveaways, and MORE ahead of the 2023-24 season.
