Hockey
Firebirds – Grounded Or Not?
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 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.