Flint, Mich. – The Firebirds broke their fifth franchise-record this season after posting their sixth-consecutive victory on home-ice with a 4-1 triumph over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Saturday night. With the win, the Firebirds have moved into first place in the Western Conference and are now a perfect 6-0 in Flint to still remain the only club in the 20-team Ontario Hockey League (OHL) still undefeated on home-ice. The Firebirds have also currently tied their franchise-best four-game winning streak after sweeping the weekend at home.
Brennan Othmann netted the lone goal of the opening frame, scoring his fifth of the season at 7:28. Connor Roberts carried the puck across center ice and into the offensive zone. He then dished it to Jack Wismer along the right-wing wall. Wismer found Othmann high in the zone, centered between the circles. He sniped a wrister that hit the top corner of the net over netminder Christian Propp’s left shoulder.
The Greyhounds outshot Flint 11 – 9 through the first 20 minutes. The Firebirds came up empty on one power-play opportunity, and they held the ‘Hounds scoreless on two chances.
Jack Phibbs scored the game’s second goal at 14:32 of the second period. Dennis Busby (Arizona Coyotes) found Jack Wismer at the offensive blue line along the right-wing wall. Wismer hit Phibbs in stride as he blew past two Greyhound defenders before he converted for his second goal in as many games.
Then, Sault Ste. Marie rearguard Jaden Peca cut the deficit to one with his seventh of the campaign, tapping in a rebound at 17:59. Rory Kerins and Tye Kartye combined for the assists on the play.
Flint outshot the ‘Hounds 21 – 12 for the two-period advantage of 30 – 23. Neither team was able to convert on two chances with the man-advantage.
With just under two minutes remaining in regulation and trailing by two, the Greyhounds pulled Propp for the extra attacker. First Wismer took advantage, logging his fourth goal in the past three games at 18:15. Connor Roberts was credited with the lone assist. Propp returned to his position for the ensuing face-off, but was quickly called back to the bench. Next, Jack Phibbs scored his second of the night and fourth of the campaign at 18:27, assisted by Jake Durham.
Final shots were 44 – 31 in favor of the Firebirds. Flint killed all four penalties successfully, but were unable to convert on five chances with the man-advantage. In the face-off circle, the ‘Hounds finished with the slight edge, winning 31 of 58 draws.
Next up for Flint, the Firebirds will face-off vs. the Attack in Owen Sound this Wednesday at 7 p.m. (ET). Radio pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. on the radio throughout Mid-Michigan on US 103.1 FM and around the world online at www.us103.com. The Firebirds will return back to home ice this Saturday night when Flint hosts the Barrie Colts at 3 p.m. Fans can get up to two free kids tickets (17 & under) with the purchase of a paid grandparent ticket.
Single game tickets for all Firebirds games are $12 Bronze, $16 Silver, $20 Gold and $26 VIP seating (Seating Chart). All seats are reserved / assigned seating. Fans can purchase tickets by calling (810) 744-0580, in-person at the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office or online at ticketmaster.com here.
For more information:
Dominic Hennig
Director of Broadcasting & Communications
Flint Firebirds Hockey Club
dominic@flintfirebirds.com
(810) 519-9347
