Defenceman Mason Taylor commits to Firebirds

Flint, Mich. – The Flint Firebirds announced today that defenseman Mason Taylor has agreed to an OHL scholarship and development agreements with the club.

“Mason is cerebral, with a good first pass,” said General Manager Dave McParlan. “We kept him an extra week last year, and considered signing him then, so we are excited to officially be adding him to our our Firebirds family this year.”

Taylor was the Firebirds’ seventh-round pick (140th overall) in the 2022 OHL Draft. The 5-foot-9, 159lb. defenseman played this past season with the U18 Toronto Jr. Canadiens AAA.

“I’m very excited to play in the OHL and get to experience the next level of hockey,” said Taylor. “Going into last week, I was focused on having a really good camp. It was really relieving when they signed me. It’s all been a great experience.”

In 66 games for the Canadiens this past year, the Oakville, Ont. native added 26 points (4-22-26) to go along with his +49 rating which was tied for fourth-best among U18 AAA defensemen. Taylor was selected by Flint after playing for the U16 Don Mills Flyers in the 2021-22 season.

“The organization has been really nice and helpful,” Taylor added. “Everything has been really easy to understand so far. I’m ready to work hard and help the team as best as I can.”

Taylor will wear #4 for the Firebirds this season.

Scouting Report from Head Scout Mike Oliverio: “Mason is a creative defenseman who can activate quickly and support the offense. He is a puck mover who can skate it out of trouble if need be. He possesses a good hockey IQ and has the quickness to be a very agile defender.”