Newly acquired Firebirds ready for action
Known for their passionate fans and boisterous atmosphere, the Flint Firebirds’ newly acquired additions are eager to make their debut at the Dort Financial Center on Wednesday against the Owen Sound Attack.
Acquired at the trade deadline, the Firebirds lineup will see the addition of four new players, as forwards Oliver Peer, Alex Kostov and Connor Clattenburg, along with defensive veteran Roberto Mancini take the ice. Flint also acquired 18-year-old blueliner Gavin Ewles from the Ottawa 67’s prior to Wednesday’s deadline.
“It’s not an easy building to play in if you’re on the opposing team, the fans here are great. They’re super loud and they really get into the game. It’ll be great to play my first game as a Firebird in front of a home crowd tonight,” said Peer.
Registering 47 points (22-25-47) in 37 games played with the Windsor Spitfires this season, Peer looks forward to his first game in blue and orange.
It was great to get picked up by a team like Flint that’s getting competitive down the stretch, I’m really excited to be a part of it,” he added.
Having previously faced the uproar of one of the Ontario Hockey League’s most thunderous arenas as visitors, the new Firebirds are excited about the fanbase standing in their corner tonight.
“Flint is a tough team to play against, our fans are loud and I’m excited to be here,” said Clattenburg. “I like to play hard and throw big hits, hopefully I can get the crowd on their feet.”
Selected in the 10th round (199th overall) by the Soo Greyhounds in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Clattenburg has showcased an ability to bring a physical style of game over his two seasons in Sault Ste. Marie.
“I’m super excited, it’s a good opportunity and a fresh start,” he said. “I know the team’s going to be pretty gritty and I like being a part of that. It’s going to be a blue collar season, it’s super fun and that’s what I like doing.”
Joining his former Soo teammate in Flint in a deal that saw 19-year-old winger Gavin Hayes go the other way, Alex Kostov looks forward to connecting with a new set of teammates as he gears up for the second half of the season.
“Super loud barn and super excited to get started with this team,” commented Kostov. “I met all the guys yesterday, they seem like good people. I knew Aspinall before coming here, he’s a good guy and he sent me a text when he saw the trade, he’s made it very welcoming for me.”
Having spent just over four seasons in Saginaw before transitioning to the Firebirds from Windsor, Roberto Mancini’s extensive OHL experience will play a pivotal role in unifying this new team as they aim to build on their 15-20-2-1 record through the remainder of the season.
“It feels different for sure, but I think all the excitement and all the joy came in when I got the call that I was coming to Flint. I’m very happy and I’m excited to show the fans what I’m all about”, said Mancini.
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