Sept. 23/17 – FLNT (4) – OS (3) – SO

Overage netminder Garrett Forrest turned in a 43-save performance to put the Flint Firebirds past the Owen Sound Attack in their home opener 4-3. Forrest preserved a tie game inside the final minute of the third period with a point-blank save off Owen Sound’s Kevin Hancock. The shootout victory featured a decisive goal by Maurizio Colella who put things to bed with his goal in the third round of the shootout. Nicholas Caamano also converted on his attempt as the Firebirds prevailed on the road against a Midwest Division opponent for the second straight night. Newly acquired defenceman Nicolas Mattinen (1) opened the scoring with a shorthanded marker 1:04 into the opening frame. Rookie Ethan Keppen (1) also scored while sophomore Hunter Holmes (2) tied the game up at three 4:58 into the third period. The Firebirds won despite being outshot 46-27. Hancock (1) earned first star honours with a goal and two assists while Attack teammates Nick Suzuki (1) and Jonah Gadjovich (1) had a goal and an assist each. Goaltender Zack Bowman made 24 saves in his Attack debut.
GAME CENTRE