Flint Firebirds a fearless foe
They won only 20 of 68 games in 2015-2016 but through 20 outings thus far in 2016-2017 the Flint Firebirds already have 11 victories on the board.
It’s been a tidy turnaround in Flint where the Firebirds have an 11-8-1 record with triumphs over the top teams in the Ontario Hockey League including a pair over the Windsor Spitfires, who sit in second spot in the Western Conference with a 13-4-1 showing.
This does not appear to be a fluke in Flint.
From having missed the playoffs last season, the Firebirds have not only posted wins over Windsor this season but have impressive victories over other high-ranking teams such as the Sarnia Sting, Soo Greyhounds and Kitchener Rangers.
There has been no losing streak of major conccern.
There has been no lack of offense or major blow-ups on defense.
Rookie head coach Ryan Oulahen appears to be getting the most of what wily general manager George Burnett and his staff have provided through trades, retention and drafting.
Five Flint players are averaging more than a point-per-game — forwards Ryan Moore, Nicholas Caamano, Kole Sherwood and Luke Kirwan and defenseman Mathieu Henderson.
No. 1 draft pick from 2016, forward Ty Dellandrea, is the real deal, without question.
Former Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League all-star Garrett Forrest is establishing himself as a 19-year old rookie goalie.
They are giving off appearances of being fearless and unflappable, these Firebirds of Flint.
They are to be taken seriously.
A record of 11-8-1 does not equate to first place.
But the Firebirds have been a formidable foe and a force to be reckoned with through a 20-game challenge.
PHOTO: Flint Firebirds forward Nicholas Caamano.