Flint Firebirds GM a winner
The cast of prominent, high end general managers in the Ontario Hockey League who have been in their position for a good number of years includes — alphabetically — Billy Bowler of the Windsor Spitfires, Dave Drinkill of the Saginaw Spirit, Mark Hunter of the London Knights, Kyle Raftis of the Soo Greyhounds and Marty Williamson of the Barrie Colts. Which makes the selection of Dave McParlan of the Flint Firebirds as the winner of the OHL general manager of the year award for the ’25-26 season all that more impressive and meaningful.
In his third season as the GM in Flint, the 58-year old McParlan was the commander of the best term in the 10 year OHL history of the Firebirds as they set regular season franchise records in wins with 44 and in points with 95 en route to a third place finish in the highly competitive Western Conference.
The Flint defence was the best that it has ever been in giving up 199 goals as overage goalie Mason Vaccari — an off season acquisition by McParlan from the Kingston Frontenacs — tied a Firebirds franchise record with 36 wins while setting a new record for goals against average with a 2.70 mark.
“I am completely humbled to receive the Jim Gregory Award (as OHL general manager of the year),” relayed McParlan. “The fact that this recognition came from a vote of my fellow general managers is what makes it feel so special. I am proud to be part of a select few that have the privilege to work in this league, let alone be considered for such an incredible honour.”
Impact trade additions made by McParlan over the course of the ’25-26 season included a pair of National Hockey League draft picks in forwards Kevin He (Winnipeg Jets) and Jacob Battaglia (New York Rangers.)
“The reality is this is an award that recognizes and reflects the work of an entire organization”, McParlan added. “Everyone from our owner, scouting staff, arena and operations staff and most of all, the coaches and players. They do all the heavy lifting, and deserve the credit. Quality people, working very hard, for the right reasons make my job very easy.”
Flint owner Rolf Nilsen issued personal words of his praise relative to the job that McParlan has done as the Firebirds GM.
“Dave is the first to give our scouts, coaches, and players the credit for this award, but he is the one who is ultimately in charge of our draft, trades, and placement of our prospects in the right environment to maximize their development. We are all extremely happy for Dave and appreciate the hard work he and our staff have done to make the Flint Firebirds one of the best teams in the OHL throughout the year,” said Nilsen.
To be sure, McParlan is a low profile type of individual who has an association to the OHL that dates back to 2006 when he scouted for the Plymouth Whalers and was a key part of a number of successful teams with them. Plymouth moved to Flint in 2015 under new ownership and McParlan continued his link with the franchise from director of scouting to assistant GM and then to GM.
McParlan has calmed the hockey waters in Flint. Through some exceptional drafting, free agent signings and becoming rather adept as Trader Dave, McParlan has also played a vital role in helping to make Flint a very attractive destination for players.
