Forrest on fire
Former Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League all-star Garrett Forrest is stating his case to be more than a backup goalie for the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League.
The 19-year old OHL rookie, who was an NOJHL standout with the Powassan Voodoos last season, has started three straight games for Flint and the Firebirds have won them all.
Since coming on in relief of veteran starter Connor Hicks in a loss to the Sarnia Sting on January 27, Forrest has backstopped Flint to successive victories over the Hamilton Bulldogs, Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers.
In the process, Forrest has improved his statistical numbers to a 9-10-2 record, 3.35 goals against average and .886 save percentage. Before his current run of success, Forrest had lost six straight decisions in the Flint net.
Hicks, meanwhile, has a record of 14-10-2, 3.17 goals against average and .882 save percentage.
Flint is currently in possession of the eighth-and-final playoff spot in the Western Conference with 52 points from a record of 24-21-4. The Firebirds are four points ahead of ninth-place Saginaw and have two games in hand on the Spirit.
PHOTO: Garrett Forrest, in action for the Flint Firebirds. (Photo by Gar FitzGerald.)
Both Hicks and Forrest will be OA’s in the OHL next year it just depends on which one gets traded, for me Hicks will be shipped out…will start the year somewhere in the ECHL but will be demoted soon after to develop longer. If Garret Foresst turned down the opportunity to play NCAA Hockey as a 19 year old Rookie I can guarantee there was a hidden message sent to the net minder.
And the Battalion gave up him and a 4th for our OA goalie!!