Futures Watch: Flint Firebirds
As the 2025–26 OHL season approaches this September, the Flint Firebirds are looking to build on their (29–34–2–3) record from last year. We spoke with Dave McParlan about the new faces fans should be keeping an eye on as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Class Quote
“The Flint Firebirds organization is excited about the start of the upcoming season. There will be some new faces in the lineup for the 2025-26 campaign with the signing of some familiar names from past drafts as well as a few from this year’s priority selection. This version of the Firebirds promises to bring a quick, exciting and competitive brand of hockey to each and every game for fans to enjoy.”
– Dave McParlan
Player Spotlights:
Charlie Murata – LW
Selected in the first round (8th overall) in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Charlie Murata played the 2024-25 season for the Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA program where he played in 32 games and recorded 40 points (21-19–40). The Toronto, ON, native added an additional one goal and seven assists during the 2025 OHL Cup as the Flyers reached the finals of the tournament.
“Aside from being a player of high character, Charlie may be one of, if not, the quickest players in this past draft. In a matter of a step or two he is at top speed and uses that speed to separate himself from the opposition. Charlie also has the ability to make plays and process the game at that same pace. There always seems to be an offensive opportunity for his team when he’s on the ice due to his creative nature with and without the puck.”
Lucas Nutting – RD
Selected in the second round (33rd overall) in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Lucas Nutting played the 2024-25 season for the Elgin Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA program and wore the C as his team’s captain. The right-shot defenceman recorded 38 points (12-26–38) over 27 games and added two goals and one assist during four games at the OHL Cup.
“Lucas is a smooth skating, puck moving, offensive defensemen who has the hockey IQ to either exit the defensive zone with a quick pass or skate it out when all other options have been taken away. He has a very good understanding of the game which allows him to anticipate the opposition’s play and is able to clog lanes and be very disruptive, allowing him to intercept pucks and create turnovers.”
Mason Courville – G
Selected in the third round (55th overall) in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Mason Courville is a native of Palmyra, Pennsylvania and played for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 15U AAA program during the 2024-25 season. He recorded a GAA of 2.09 and a SV% of .926 during his time with the Knights.
“Aside from his talent, the Firebirds staff feels that Mason may be one of the hardest competitors in this draft. That level of compete has Mason engaged and focused on the game at all times. He has very good agility and uses it very efficiently and effectively, rarely leaving him out of position. Mason has a very good hockey IQ which enables him to track pucks and anticipate the play very well, allowing him to be set and ready for the shooter.”
2025-26 Flint Firebirds Signings:
Includes players signed to an OHL Scholarship & Development Agreement who have played fewer than 10 games in the OHL
| PLAYER | POSITION | HOMETOWN | DOB | 2024-25 TEAM | ACQUIRED |
| Dryden Allen | LD | Ottawa, ON | 08/09/2007 | Dubuque Fighting Saints | 2 RD. 2023 |
| Zack Bleick | LD | Cleveland Heights, OH | 09/04/2008 | Cleveland Wildcats 16U AAA | June 15, 2025 (FA) |
| Josh Bonnyman | RW | Uxbridge, ON | 07/05/2007 | Stouffville Spirit | 2nd Rd. 2024 (U18) |
| Gage Brandon | LW | Petrolia, ON | 06/10/2008 | Sarnia Legionnaires | 3rd Rd. 2024 |
| Christian Colosimo | LD | Vaughan, ON | 12/01/2008 | Mississauga Rebels U16 AAA (2023-24) | 4th Rd. 2024 |
| Brendan Cooke | RW | Thessalon, ON | 12/22/2007 | Sarnia Legionnaires | 8th Rd. 2023 |
| Mason Courville | G | Palmyra, PA | 10/27/2009 | WB/Scranton Knights 15U AAA | 3rd Rd. 2025 |
| Ryland Cunningham | LW | Cobourg, ON | 06/28/2008 | Lindsay Muskies | 2nd Rd. 2024 |
| Luka Graziano | RD | Toronto, ON | 10/24/2007 | Toronto Jr. Canadiens | 3rd Rd. 2023 |
| George Komadoski | RD | St. Louis, MO | 08/03/2008 | Mount St. Charles Acad 18U AAA | June 13, 2025 (FA) |
| Charlie Murata | LW | Toronto, ON | 02/15/2009 | Don Mills Flyers U16 AAA | 1st Rd. 2025 |
| Lucas Nutting | RD | Isleworth, GBR | 04/05/2009 | Elgin Middlesex Canucks U16 AAA | 2nd Rd. 2025 |
| James Paul | RD | Mississauga, ON | 10/27/2007 | Oakville Blades | October 30, 2024 (FA) |
| Xavier Tessier | C | Ottawa, ON | 05/09/2008 | Smiths Falls Bears | 2nd Rd. 2024 |
| Darels Uljanskis | LD | Riga, LAT | 08/25/2006 | J20 Nationell | 1st Rd. 2025 (Import) |
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