Explore the OHL: Flint Firebirds
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is home to 20 teams—17 in Canada and three in the United States. Shifting the focus beyond hockey operations, the OHL aims to highlight the distinctiveness of each member club. The League will showcase how current players and future prospects embrace their junior hockey careers within their respective cities, emphasizing the unique qualities that define each team and its community.
HISTORY
Flint, located in southeastern Michigan, has a rich history and is known for its contributions to the automotive industry and vibrant community. The Firebirds trace their roots back to the 1990–91 season, when the Detroit Compuware Ambassadors were added as an expansion team in the OHL. The franchise later became the Detroit Jr. Red Wings in 1992, the Detroit Whalers in 1995 and the Plymouth Whalers in 1997, playing out of the then Compuware Arena until 2015. The franchise has past OHL Championships in 1995 and 2007 while producing several NHL stars. In 2015, the team relocated to Flint to become the Firebirds. Flint has reached the Western Conference Final twice: in 2019 and 2022. The Firebirds continue the tradition of excellence, with a focus on player development and community involvement, building on the success of their predecessors.
ARENA
The Dort Financial Center is a multi-purpose arena with a seating capacity of 4,421. Opened in 1969, it serves as the home of the Flint Firebirds. The facility has undergone several upgrades, including modernized seating, improved concessions, and enhancements to the fan experience, ensuring it remains a premier venue for OHL hockey and other events in the Flint community.
PROMINENT ON-ICE OHL AWARD WINNERS (ALL-TIME FRANCHISE HISTORY)
Red Tilson Trophy (Most Outstanding Player)
2012-13: Vincent Trocheck (Plymouth), 2009-10: Tyler Seguin (Plymouth), 1997-98: David Legwand (Plymouth), 1992-93: Pat Peake (Detroit)
Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Top Scorer)
2012-13: Vincent Trocheck (Plymouth), 2009-10: Tyler Seguin (Plymouth)
Max Kaminsky Trophy (Defenceman of the Year)
2003-04: James Wisniewski (Plymouth), 1995-96: Bryan Berard (Detroit), 1994-95: Bryan Berard (Detroit)
Jim Rutherford Trophy (Goaltender of the Year)
2013-14: Alex Nedeljkovic (Plymouth)
Emms Family Award (Rookie of the Year)
EDUCATION
The Flint Firebirds prioritize education, with high school-aged players attending Linden High School in Linden, Michigan. The team’s commitment to academics is reflected in its three OHL Academic Award winners throughout franchise history.
Bobby Smith Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year)
1998-99: Rob Zepp (Plymouth)
Ivan Tennant Memorial Award (Top Academic High School Student)
2022-23: Ethan Hay, 2015-16: Kyle Keyser
NOTABLE ALUMNI
The Flint Firebirds franchise has developed numerous NHL players over the years, contributing significantly to the growth of hockey talent. Notable alumni include Ty Dellandrea (San Jose Sharks), Brennan Othmann (New York Rangers) and Amadeus Lombardi (Detroit Red Wings). The franchise’s success is a testament to its commitment to nurturing elite players who make an impact at the highest level of professional hockey. At least one skater that has played for Plymouth or Flint has been drafted in all 33 years of the organization’s past dating back to 1991. The most players ever picked in an NHL draft came in 2000 when six Whalers were selected.
For more information on the team’s NHL history, click here.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Flint Firebirds are deeply committed to giving back to their community through a variety of outreach initiatives. The team actively participates in the Firebirds Fight Hunger campaign, school visits, and youth hockey team practice appearances. They also attend local non-profit and community partner fundraisers, helping to support and uplift the Flint area. These efforts reflect the Firebirds’ dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the ice.
BILLET LIFE
The Firebirds are supported by 21 billet families for the 2024-25 season. Host families are the backbone of the team’s success, offering a warm and secure environment for players, many of whom are away from home for the first time. By becoming a billet family, individuals play a crucial role in nurturing dreams and shaping the future of elite student-athletes in top-tier hockey.
WHERE TO EAT
The Flint Firebirds recommend two favorite restaurants for visitors: Blackstone’s Smokehouse and Luigi’s Restaurant. Blackstone’s Smokehouse is a local favorite, known for its barbecue. Luigi’s Restaurant is an eastside staple, offering a taste of classic Italian cuisine, with freshly prepared dishes and a family-friendly environment since 1955.
FUN FACT
Flint earned the nickname “Vehicle City” due to its prominence in the production of carriages and automobiles from the late 1800s to the mid-20th century. General Motors (GM) was founded in Flint in 1908, and the city became a key manufacturing hub for GM’s Buick and Chevrolet divisions.
NOTABLE LANDMARK
A notable landmark in Flint, the Flint Institute of Arts is one of the largest art museums in Michigan. Founded in 1928, it houses a diverse collection of American and European art, along with rotating exhibitions from contemporary artists. The museum is a key cultural hub in downtown Flint, offering educational programs, workshops, and events. Its striking architecture and beautiful setting make it a must-see for visitors looking to explore the rich artistic heritage of the area.
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