Peters Named First Captain of Flint Firebirds Franchise

Flint, Mich. – Flint Firebirds Head Coach John Gruden has announced that Alex Peters was named the first captain in franchise history. Along with Peters, Gruden has tabbed Cullen Mercer, Zack Pittman and Connor Sills to serve as alternate captains for the Firebirds’ inaugural campaign in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

Peters, a Dallas Stars 3rd round pick (75th overall), in 2014, is in his fourth season in the OHL and second as captain after being named the final leader for the Plymouth Whalers a season ago.

“It’s a great honor, especially being a new team here in Flint,” said Peters. “It means a lot to me to have the “C” on my jersey. I’m really privileged to have this opportunity.”

The 6-4, 217-pound Blyth, Ont. native scored three goals and added 22 assists including a plus-eight rating in three years as a defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

“Flint has been amazing. It’s been unbelievable,” added Peters. “The first home game obviously had a great crowd and great atmosphere. The support from the community already has been outstanding. We have great host families and a great coaching staff. Everything has been top notch and they’re treating us like professionals. It’s awesome for me being in my fourth year to come to a place like this and I’m sure everyone on our team is ecstatic with how thing’s are going so far for us.”

Mercer is in the midst of his third season in the OHL. The Exeter, Ont. native recorded 28 points in two seasons with the Whalers.

Pittman comes to the Firebirds after spending a season with the Ottawa 67’s. The defenseman from Macomb, Mich. tallied 10 assists and a plus-three rating in 41 games played in his first OHL campaign in Ottawa.

Sills, a 6-4, 210-pound forward from Thunder Bay, Ont. brings three years of veteran status to the Firebirds. Along with recording 238 penalty minutes, Sills has scored 14 goals and added 13 assists for 27 points in 174 games played.

The Firebirds will return home to the Dort Federal Event Center for a Halloween matinee match-up on Saturday Oct. 31. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m. against the Owen Sound Attack.

Tickets are $12 for bronze, $15 for silver and $19 for corporate/gold seating and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com here, by visiting the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by phone at (810) 744-0580.

For media inquiries, contact:

Dominic Hennig
Director of Broadcasting & Communications
Flint Firebirds Hockey Club
[email protected]
(810) 519-9347