Hockey

Firebirds – Grounded Or Not?

by
siteadmin
November 9, 2015

We all know that in any sport there can be dissention within the “ranks” and that owners purchase teams for various reasons – some good – some not-so-good.

Some simply use it as a tax write-off and say they have the teams best interest at heart, but when an entire teams pulls the plug, you have to start pointing fingers.

The question tho is at who or whom do you start pointing at or questioning the reason for the (lack of other terms) uprising.

No can tell me otherwise that there is no politics as I have seen it at various sports and all ages, but when you use your power for own personal gain, it’s time to take a second look at what you are in the sport for?

Now we hear about an entire Junior hockey walking out, but not just any team, the Flint Firebirds in the Ontario Hockey League.

We are hearing that the reasoning behind this news remains behind closed doors, but one theory is that the owner (assumed to be Rolf Nilson) is/was upset about the amount of playing time his boy Hakon has been receiving.

Regardless the coaching staff stood fast and eventually all were all fired and the “kicker” is that the players who stand behind their coaching staff have also begun walking out the door.

From what I am hearing here is the update on this shocking and questionable situation, which one can only guess that Hockey Canada is watching extremely close.

Update

The Firebirds owner Rolf Nilsen called his coaching staff to his office while the team was skating with fans shortly after their comeback victory over the Oshawa Generals.

It is then that Head Coach, John Gruden and Asst. Coach Dave Karpa were both fired, but GM Terry Christensen will be staying with the club.

The timely firing of both Gruden and Karpa were a result of owner Rolf Nilsen’s son Hakon, not receiving enough ice time in the eyes of ownership.

There was more than one occasion where GM and owner Rolf Nilsen were coming down pleading with coaches to play him more and apparently even asking for more time on the PP/PK.

It was following the post game skate that the coaches told the players they were “canned” and it was then that all players took it upon themselves to head up stairs and handed in their jerseys.

Following this they all went to the equipment room, packed their bags and headed out the rink to the surprise of everyone.

It is also unconfirmed that some reports state Assistant Coach Petr Jonak is among the few to be staying, possibly as he billets Rolf Nilsen’s son Hakon.

Also the fact we hear that they are apparently extremely close friends and also that Petr was upstairs with GM & Ownership during the game but left very abruptly after words.

Let’s see how this plays out and hope it doesn’t get any worse for the players or the league?

The Firebirds are in the first OHL season in Flint after having been granted a team following the purchase and relocation of the Michigan-based Plymouth Whalers.

Flint is currently last in the OHL’s West Division, ninth in the Western Conference, with seven wins, nine losses and a shootout loss for 15 points through 17 games. The team sport’s a .441 point percentage

I am now hearing that head coach John Gruden and assistant Dave Karpa have officially been re-hired and re-instated with (get this) new contracts.

STATEMENT FROM ROLF NILSEN, OWNER FLINT FIREBIRDS

Last night after our emotional OT game against the Oshawa Generals, I made a decision with regards to our coaching staff which was an irresponsible mistake and this morning, we took steps to immediately reinstate the coaches.

Today the team’s senior leadership met with the players to apologize and have a very frank discussion about next steps we as team will take to remedy the situation.

Ontario Hockey League Commissioner David Branch is in Flint this afternoon meeting with all parties involved.

We are fully cooperating with this investigation and will look to the findings to help us to continue to grow as a team.

The Flint Firebirds’ management remains committed to providing the best hockey experience for our players, our fans and the Flint & Genesee County community.

Related Topicsfeatured Flint Firebirds OHL

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