Firebirds add goaltending experience with addition of Vaccari
The Flint Firebirds got a deal in before the OHL’s summer trade freeze that went into effect on Monday, acquiring 20-year-old goaltender Mason Vaccari from the Kingston Frontenacs. Flint dealt a 14th round pick in 2026 along with a conditional fifth round selection in 2026 and conditional sixth round pick (Saginaw’s) in 2026.
The move comes at a time where Flint’s goaltending situation remains unclear for 2025-26, with fellow 2005-born netminder Nathan Day impressing for Flint down the stretch to earn himself an entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers in April. Day showed well in his pro debut with the ECHL’s Fort Wayne Komets following the OHL Playoffs, leaving his landing place for next season up in the air entering the summer.
Vaccari brings three years of experience to the Firebirds, owning a career mark of 49-45-4-3 with a 3.45 goals-against average and .887 save percentage. The 5-foot-10, 194Ib. puckstopper from Mississauga, Ont. appeared in 25 games in 2024-25, going 11-4-1-3 with a 3.13 goals-against average and .886 save percentage.
Vaccari left his mark in Kingston, earning 2023-24 OHL and CHL Humanitarian of the Year honours for his work with the “Mason’s Miracles” initiative that raised $13,200 for the Pediatric Wing at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre.
“We would like to wish Mason the best of luck in Flint.” said Frontenacs GM Kory Cooper. “Mason was a great teammate and an outstanding individual in the Kingston community. This move allows him the chance to continue his junior career in the OHL.”
As for Kingston, the Fronts carve out some space in the crease for 17-year-old Gavin Betts, the club’s second round pick in 2024 who won five games while splitting time with the OJHL’s Pickering Panthers in 2024-25. He backstopped Canada White to a gold medal at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
