Flint Firebirds - Feed https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/category/gallery/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:02:44 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Dave McParlan Named OHL General Manager of the Year https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/dave-mcparlan-named-ohl-general-manager-of-the-year Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:00:52 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/dave-mcparlan-named-ohl-general-manager-of-the-year FLINT – The Ontario Hockey League announced on Friday that Firebirds General Manager Dave McParlan has been awarded the Jim Gregory Trophy as the OHL General Manager of the Year. McParlan recently completed his third season as Flint’s GM, during which the Firebirds set new franchise records in points (95) and wins (44). He was named a finalist along with Marty Williamson of the Barrie Colts following a voting process that was carried out by OHL General Managers. McParlan was then determined the winner via a panel that consisted of accredited OHL media members and a representative from NHL Central Scouting. “I am completely humbled to receive the Jim Gregory Award,” McParlan said. “The fact that this recognition came from a vote of my fellow General Managers is what makes it feel so special. I am proud to be part of a select few that have the privilege to work in this league, let alone be considered for such an incredible honor.” McParlan got his start in the OHL as an area scout for the Plymouth Whalers in the 2006-07 season, a season that saw the Whalers win the J. Ross Robertson Cup and be crowned OHL champions. He eventually became Plymouth’s Director of Scouting and stayed with the franchise for its move to Flint in 2015-16. McParlan became the Firebirds’ Assistant General Manager in the 2022-23 season and took over as GM in the 2023-24 season. “I would like to congratulate our General Manager Dave McParlan on receiving the OHL General Manager of the Year Award,” Firebirds Owner and Governor Rolf Nilsen said. “The 2025-26 season for the Firebirds was the best in our 10-year history. Dave is the first to give our scouts, coaches, and players the credit for this award, but he is the one who is ultimately in charge of our draft, trades, and placement of our prospects in the right environment to maximize their development. We are all extremely happy for Dave and appreciate the hard work he and our staff have done to make the Flint Firebirds one of the best teams in the OHL throughout the year.” McParlan built the roster that turned in the most successful regular season in Firebirds history with a series of shrewd acquisitions and signings. Flint signed past OHL Priority Selection draft picks in defensemen Luka Graziano and Dryden Allen as well as forward Darian Anderson. The Firebirds acquired goaltender Mason Vaccari in the offseason, who has been named a finalist for OHL Goaltender of the Year, and traded up to select defenseman Darels Uljanskis in the CHL Import Draft. Flint accented its roster during the season as McParlan made moves to add Winnipeg Jets forward prospect Kevin He, then Calgary Flames and now New York Rangers forward prospect Jacob Battaglia, along with forwards Brady Smith and Ihnat Pazii. “The reality is this is an award that recognizes and reflects the work of the entire organization, from the top down,” McParlan said. “Everyone from our owner, coaching staff, scouting staff, business operations staff and the players deserve a large portion of credit. I simply surround myself with smart people and listen to their recommendations as we all work towards a common goal.”

###

]]> Nathan Aspinall Named a Finalist for the Red Tilson Trophy https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/nathan-aspinall-named-a-finalist-for-the-red-tilson-trophy Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:38:37 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/nathan-aspinall-named-a-finalist-for-the-red-tilson-trophy FLINT – The Ontario Hockey League announced on Thursday that Firebirds forward Nathan Aspinall has been named a finalist for the Red Tilson Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player during the regular season. Aspinall registered 33 goals and 61 assists over 65 games played during the 2025-26 season. His 61 assists set a new Firebirds franchise record, and his 94 points were the second-most in the OHL. Aspinall was named Flint’s captain during the preseason and was signed to an NHL entry-level contract by the New York Rangers in October. The Red Tilson Trophy is the OHL’s most prestigious individual award and was first presented in 1945. It is named in honor of Albert “Red” Tilson, the OHA’s leading scoring from the 1942-43 season who was killed in action in Europe during World War II. The trophy is voted on by the accredited writers and broadcasters who cover the OHL. Aspinall is one of five finalists for the award. He is joined by Cole Beaudoin of the Barrie Colts, Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs, Sam O’Reilly of the Kitchener Rangers and Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit. Aspinall would be the first Firebird in franchise history to be awarded the Red Tilson Trophy. The Firebirds set new franchise records in points (95) and wins (44) during the 2025-26 season. They swept the Owen Sound Attack in the first round of the 2026 OHL Playoffs before ultimately falling to the Windsor Spitfires in the second round. Photo: Todd Boone

###

]]> Dave McParlan Named a Finalist for OHL General Manager of the Year https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/dave-mcparlan-named-a-finalist-for-ohl-general-manager-of-the-year Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:02:48 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/dave-mcparlan-named-a-finalist-for-ohl-general-manager-of-the-year FLINT – The Ontario Hockey League has announced that Firebirds General Manager Dave McParlan is a finalist for the league’s Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award, presented annually to the OHL GM who best excelled at his role during the regular season. McParlan, who just completed his third season as Flint’s GM, built a roster that helped set franchise records in wins (44) and points (95) in 2025-26. Under his guidance, the Firebirds made offseason moves to acquire Mason Vaccari and Darels Uljanskis, signed former draft picks Dryden Allen, Luka Graziano and Darian Anderson, and made in-season trades to acquire Kevin He, Jacob Battaglia, Ihnat Pazii and Brady Smith. McParlan is one of two finalists named, joining Marty Williamson of the Barrie Colts. The Firebirds completed the 2025-26 regular season with a record of 44-17-4-3 and finished third in the Western Conference. Flint swept the Owen Sound Attack in the first round of the 2026 OHL Playoffs before ultimately falling to the Windsor Spitfires in the second round.

###

]]> Firebirds’ Season Ends With 5-3 Loss to Spitfires in Game 4 https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/firebirds-season-ends-with-5-3-loss-to-spitfires-in-game-4 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:12:58 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/firebirds-season-ends-with-5-3-loss-to-spitfires-in-game-4 FLINT –  The Windsor Spitfires completed a four-game sweep of the Flint Firebirds in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, securing a 5-3 victory in Game 4 to clinch the series 4-0.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Flint came out with some juice, registering eleven shots on goal in the first ten minutes of the game. This led to James Paul clapping one home short side from near the boards just across the blue line to get the Birds on the board. This was the only goal of the first period, as Mason Vaccari stopped all 16 shots he faced. Early on in the second, Windsor got a power play and capitalized on it as Anthony Cristoforo netted his second goal in as many games. He stuffed home the puck from the left side of Vaccari’s crease to even the score at one a piece.  The teams battled back and forth throughout the period, but late in the middle frame Cole Davis deposited a one-timer from John McLaughlin’s pass to give the Spits their first lead of the night, headed into the final period of regulation.  Early into the third period, Windsor picked up right where they left off as Carson Woodall sniped on the far-side and past Vaccari from the right circle to double the Spitfires lead. Halfway through the period, the Firebirds answered back as Nathan Aspinall rushed into the zone and beat Joey Costanzo via the five-hole to cut the lead back down to one. Moments later though, the Spitfires answered back once again. This time it was Jakub Fibigr who netted his second goal of the postseason on a short-side shot from the right circle, making it 4-2, Windsor.  Late in the third, Flint was awarded their first power play of the game and it only took them twelve seconds to make it count. Jacob Battaglia found Darian Anderson down low, who roped a left-to-right cross-ice pass to Aspinall at the right circle where he one-timed home his second goal of the night, cutting it to one once again.  The late surge from the Birds would not be enough as Jack Nesbitt scored the empty-netter to put the Spits up 5-3. This would be the final score as the Spitfires eliminated the Firebirds in Game 4, sweeping the series 4-0 to advance to the Western Conference Finals. POSTGAME NOTES: Nathan Aspinall scored his ninth and tenth goals of this playoff run, the most goals in a playoff run by a Flint Firebird in franchise history … Jacob Battaglia recorded his twelfth and thirteenth assists of this playoff run, the most for the Birds this postseason … Mason Vaccari stopped 32 of the 36 shots he faced tonight. Photo: Todd Boone

###

]]> Three Firebirds Appear on NHL Central Scouting’s Final Draft Rankings https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/three-firebirds-appear-on-nhl-central-scoutings-final-draft-rankings Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:52:28 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/three-firebirds-appear-on-nhl-central-scoutings-final-draft-rankings FLINT – NHL Central Scouting released its final 2026 NHL Draft Rankings on Thursday three Firebirds have appeared on the list. Alex Kostov is ranked 73rd among North American Skaters, Dryden Allen is ranked 171st and Darian Anderson is ranked 186th. Kostov appeared on NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings in January and was ranked 117th among North American skaters. He rises to 73rd following a regular season that saw him score 24 goals and add 31 assists over 47 games played. The forward also represented the Firebirds at the Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects game in January. Allen was ranked 189th on the Midterm Rankings and received a W rating on the Preliminary Watch List in October. In his first season in the OHL, the defenseman appeared in all 68 of Flint’s regular season games and totaled three goals and 21 assists. This is Anderson’s first recognition from NHL Central Scouting. A native of nearby Brighton, Mich., the right wing joined the Firebirds in October and tallied 20 goals and 25 assists over 60 games during the regular season. The NHL Draft is set to take place on June 26 and 27 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. The Firebirds have had at least one player selected in every draft since the franchise’s inception in 2015. Flint is currently in the midst of a second round OHL Playoff series against the Windsor Spitfires. Game 4 will take place on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Dort Financial Center.

###

]]> GAME DAY, Round 2, Game 4, Firebirds vs Spitfires – 7 p.m. https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/game-day-round-2-game-4-firebirds-vs-spitfires-7-p-m Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:36:25 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/game-day-round-2-game-4-firebirds-vs-spitfires-7-p-m ROUND 2, GAME 4 - Firebirds vs Spitfires

Dort Financial Center

Flint, Michigan

7:00 p.m.

Watch | Listen | Game Center | Tickets

LAST TIME OUT: Alex Kostov scored in the third period to bring the Firebirds within one but Flint could not complete its comeback effort as it was beaten by the Windsor Spitfires, 2-1, in Game 3 on Tuesday night at the Dort Financial Center. Mason Vaccari made 25 saves on 27 shots in the loss.

BACKS AGAINST THE WALL: The Firebirds now trail the Spitfires in the best-of-seven series, 3-0. Flint will need to win four straight in order to advance to the Western Conference Finals. The Birds and Spitfires split their regular season series, 3-3-0-0. The Firebirds are 3-4 all-time when facing elimination in the postseason.

IT'S BEEN DONE BEFORE: Windsor was in an identical position in the second round of the 2025 OHL Playoffs as it led the Kitchener Rangers, 3-0 after three games. The Rangers then rattled off four straight victories, two in shutout fashion, and eventually clinched the series with a 2-1 overtime win in Game 7. There are 14 players on Windsor's playoff roster who were also with the team in the 2025 postseason.

FINALISTS SQUARING OFF: The OHL has announced both Mason Vaccari and Joey Costanzo as finalists for the Jim Rutherford Trophy for the OHL Goaltender of the year. Firebirds Head Coach Paul Flache and Spitfires Head Coach Greg Walters were also finalists for the Matt Leyden Trophy for the OHL Coach of the Year, which was won by Ottawa's Dave Cameron.

GOALTENDERS DUELING: Mason Vaccari made 25 saves on 27 shots during the Game 3 loss while Joey Costanzo stopped 18 of the 19 shots he faced in Windsor's win. Vaccari (.927) and Costanzo (.925) are third and fourth respectively in the OHL Playoffs in save percentage. Costanzo is second in GAA at 1.86 while Vaccari is third at 2.02.

ODDS AND ENDS: Alex Kostov's goal in the third period was his third of the OHL Playoffs. Kostov had two goals and two assists against Windsor in four games in the regular season...Josh Bonnyman made his OHL Playoff debut on Tuesday night...Liam Greentree, Anthony Cristoforo and Jakub Fibigr are tied for Windsor's team lead with nine points apiece.

UP NEXT: Game 5, if necessary, is scheduled for Saturday night at the WFCU Centre in Windsor. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.

]]> Spitfires Hold Off Birds in Game 3, 2-1 https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/spitfires-hold-off-birds-in-game-3-2-1 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:47:35 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/spitfires-hold-off-birds-in-game-3-2-1 FLINT- A defensive battle took place Tuesday night at the Dort Financial Center between the Flint Firebirds and the Windsor Spitfires in Game 3. The Spitfires took a 3-0 lead in the series after a 2-1 win.  HOW IT HAPPENED:  With just under four minutes gone by in the first period, Anthony Cristoforo deked his way into the offensive zone and reached for the rolling puck as Mason Vaccari also attempted a poke check. Cristofor’s stick got there first, pushing the puck through the legs of the Firebirds goaltender to give the Spitfires a 1–0 lead. Early in the second period, AJ Spellacy stole the puck from Kevin He in the Spitfires’ offensive zone. Spellacy drove hard down the left side, deked from his backhand to his forehand, and tucked the puck past the outstretched pad of Vaccari to make it 2–0 Spitfires. Late in the second period, Flint controlled the puck in the offensive zone, where Luka Graziano fired a shot that rang off the crossbar and bounced out, keeping the score 2–0 Windsor. Two minutes into the third period, Flint finally broke through. Just as a power play ended, Graziano found Alex Kostov with a cross-zone pass. Kostov made his way into the slot before rifling a shot past the blocker of Costanzo, cutting the lead in half. The Firebirds pulled Vaccari for an extra attacker in the final minutes and mounted chances but could not equalize. Windsor held on to take a 3–0 lead in the series. POSTGAME NOTES: Alex Kostov tallied a goal, his third of the post season… Mason Vaccari made 25 saves on 27 shots… Luke Graziano and Jacob Battaglia each had an assist. UP NEXT: Flint and Windsor will meet for Game 4 on Thursday night, with the Firebirds needing a win to keep the series alive. Puck drop at the Dort Financial Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.   Photo: Todd Boone

###

]]> GAME DAY, Round 2, Game 3, Firebirds vs Spitfires – 7 p.m. https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/game-day-round-2-game-3-firebirds-vs-spitfires-7-p-m Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:21 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/game-day-round-2-game-3-firebirds-vs-spitfires-7-p-m ROUND 2, GAME 3 - Firebirds vs Spitfires

Dort Financial Center

Flint, Michigan

7:00 p.m.

Watch | Listen | Game Center | Tickets

LAST TIME OUT: The Firebirds scored three times in the second period to take a two-goal lead but Windsor responded with three goals in the third as they went on to beat the Birds, 6-5, in Game 2 on Sunday evening at the WFCU Centre. The Spitfires took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

SHIFTED TO HOME ICE: The series between the Firebirds and Spitfires has now shifted to Flint for Games 3 and 4 with the Birds trailing, 2-0. The Firebirds went 2-0 during their home games in the first round and were 22-8-3-1 at the Dort Financial Center during the regular season. Flint was 1-2-0-0 against Windsor at home in their six-game regular season series as opposed to 2-1-0-0 on the road.

ASPINALL SCORES: Nathan Aspinall scored twice during Game 2 in Windsor, his seventh and eighth goals of the postseason. He is now tied with Brantford's Caleb Malhotra for the lead in the OHL Playoffs. Aspinall now has three two-goal games during the postseason and is tied with Jacob Battaglia for the team lead with 15 points.

CREAM OF THE CROP: The OHL announced on Monday that Firebirds goaltender Mason Vaccari has been named a finalist for the Jim Rutherford Trophy for OHL Goaltender of the Year. Vaccari is the third Firebird to be honored as a finalist for a league award this postseason. Paul Flache was named a finalist for the Matt Leyden Trophy for OHL Coach of the Year and Jimmy Lombardi was named a finalist for the William Hanley Trophy for the OHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player.

AROUND THE OHL: All four second round series are in action on Tuesday night. Every higher seed leads; in the East #1 Brantford is up 3-0 over #5 North Bay, #2 Barrie is up 2-0 over #3 Ottawa. In the West, #1 Kitchener is up 2-0 over #5 Soo and #2 Windsor is up 2-0 over #3 Flint.

ODDS AND ENDS: Jimmy Lombardi was 18-for-30 in the faceoff circle in Game 2. Including the regular season, it was the ninth time this year he has taken 30 or more faceoffs...Lombardi recorded his fourth multi-point game of the playoffs on Sunday. Only Nathan Aspinall (5) has more...Anthony Cristoforo had three assists on Sunday. He leads the series with five points, all assists.

UP NEXT: Flint and Windsor will clash for Game 4 on Thursday night. Puck drop at the Dort Financial Center is set for 7 p.m.

 ]]> Mason Vaccari Named a Finalist for the Jim Rutherford Trophy https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/mason-vaccari-named-a-finalist-for-the-jim-rutherford-trophy Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:33:13 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/mason-vaccari-named-a-finalist-for-the-jim-rutherford-trophy FLINT – The Ontario Hockey League announced on Monday that Firebirds goaltender Mason Vaccari has been named a finalist for the Jim Rutherford Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL Goaltender of the Year. Vaccari played 51 games for the Firebirds in the regular season and turned in a record of 36-9-3-2 with a 2.70 GAA and a .907 save percentage. His 36 wins matched a Firebirds franchise record, equaling the 36 that Luke Cavallin had during the 2021-22 season, and were also the second-most in the OHL this season. The overage goaltender also set a Firebirds franchise record with four shutouts, which were tied for the second-most in the OHL. Joining Vaccari as finalists for the award are Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s, Easton Rye of the Peterborough Petes, Carter George of the Soo Greyhounds and Joey Costanzo of the Windsor Spitfires. The Firebirds are in the midst of a second round playoff series against the Windsor Spitfires, set to continue with Game 3 on Tuesday at the Dort Financial Center. Flint will then again take home ice for Game 4 on Thursday. Puck drop for both games is scheduled for 7 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at the Dort Financial Center box office and online via ETIX.com Photo: Todd Boone

###

]]> Firebirds Weekly Roundup, 2026 OHL Playoffs, Week 3 https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/firebirds-weekly-roundup-2026-ohl-playoffs-week-3 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:26:48 +0000 admin https://chl.ca/ohl-firebirds/article/firebirds-weekly-roundup-2026-ohl-playoffs-week-3 FLINT — After setting new franchise and OHL records in their first-game sweep of the Owen Sound Attack, Flint entered Round 2 with a familiar and formidable opponent. The Windsor Spitfires also swept their first-round series, albeit in less grandeur fashion. The Birds outscored the Attack 35-3 in four games. The Spitfires outscored the Guelph Storm 21-5 in a four-game sweep, matching up the second-seeded Spits with the third-seeded Firebirds for a Western Conference Semifinal matchup featuring two of the top goaltenders in the league. In Game 1 on Friday, Windsor jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in front of the home crowd at the WFCU Centre. Darian Anderson cut Flint’s deficit in half late in the frame, scoring his fifth of the postseason. Both clubs tightened up defensively in the middle frame, with Joey Costanzo and Mason Vaccari combining for 11 saves on 11 shots. In the third, Brady Smith scored his third to tie the game with under eight minutes to go. A late penalty on the Birds, however, resulted in the go-ahead goal for Windsor with less than five minutes left. Pulling Vaccari didn’t pay off, as the Spits hit the empty cage and skated away with the 4-2 victory and the 1-0 series advantage. Vaccari finished with 18 saves on 21 shots. RECAP | GAME CENTER Game 2 was also played in Windsor, and the Spits once again jumped to a quick 2-0 edge. Once again, Flint answered quickly moments later when Kevin He potted his third of the playoffs. Just as quickly, The Spits clapped back to extend their lead to 3-1. Chris Thibodeau struck for his fourth playoff tally before the first intermission, leaving Windsor on top 3-2. Flint would score three unanswered in the middle frame, starting with a power-play marker from Anderson and ending with back-to-back goals from team captain Nathan Aspinall. After 40 minutes, the Birds held a 5-3 advantage. Less than three minutes into the final stanza, Windsor rookie Caden Harvey scored his second of the night, pulling the Spitfires within one. It appeared that the game was tied briefly near the midway point of the third, before a goal was waved off for  being played with a high stick. That didn’t matter, however, as Windsor scored again on the very next shift, knotting the score at 5-5. Just when overtime seemed eminent, the Spitfires hit the game winner with exactly 60 seconds remaining in regulation. Both teams burned a timeout, and Vaccari hit the bench for an extra attacker for the second time in as many games, but the score didn’t change. Game 2 went to the home team again, 6-5, putting Flint in a 2-0 hole in the best-of-seven series.  In addition to Aspinall’s two goals, Kevin He and Anderson each finished with a goal and an assist, and Jimmy Lombardi logged a pair of helpers. RECAP | GAME CENTER Across the pair of games versus the Spits this week, shots have remained very even with the slight edge going to Windsor 53-51. Faceoffs were lopsided in Game 1, favoring the Spitfires 41-27. Game 2 was nearly equal, with the Spits advantage being cut to only one, 29-28. The power play struck for two goals on seven chances, good for a 28.7% conversion rate. The penalty kill stopped four of six Windsor opportunities in the first game, and went untested in Game 2 as all of the Spits’ penalties were part of offsetting infractions. LEADERBOARD Aspinall and Jacob Battaglia are tied with 15 points apiece, tying them for second in the league. Aspinall’s points are from eight goals and seven assists, tying him for the OHL lead in scoring. Battaglia has five tallies and the league’s third-most helpers (10). Darian Anderson is tied for fourth league-wide with six goals, and has ten total points this postseason. Lombardi is tied with Anderson for third on the squad with ten points (4 G, 6 A). Vaccari has the third-best save percentage at .928 and the fourth-lowest goals-against average at 2.01. He joins a handful of goaltenders with one shutout in the playoffs, who all follow North Bay’s Jack Lisson, who has two. COMING UP The next two games in the series will be played at the Dort Financial Center on Tuesday and Thursday. Puck drop for both games is set for 7:00 p.m. If necessary, Game 5 will return to Windsor on Saturday with puck drop at 7:05 p.m. Should Game 6 be necessary, the series returns to Flint for a 4:00 p.m. start. Story: Brandon Mills Photo: Abby Kibler]]>