Flint Firebirds 2024 - 25 Season Thread, Part I

On paper, big fan of the first 4 picks.


Yeah, I think so. If they can get them to sign. From what i’ve read it appears they got good value. I’d like a little more size in Courville but he’s 15 so hopefully his parents are tall. Really happy for Nathan Day but that pretty much guarantees they’re gonna need one, preferably two goalies to step in next year. Super glad to see Blake Smith signed. Even as Flint fans I don’t think we fully appreciated and/or acknowledged what he did on D for the team this year. How many times this year did the puck end up in the net because of a Blake Smith error? Not many at all. How many times did he go to the box on an ill advised or dumb penalty? Not many. I gotta think after Collins went down he either knew or was instructed to not get into unnecessary scraps. He was just too important to be missing for 5, 10 or a game. He even brought a little more offense to his game. Good on him.
 
Some prospect reports from the OHL Website.




Wasn’t really thrilled to read OHL4Life comparing Murata to Ethan Miedema. He was questioning his shift to shift effort. I’ve never been a fan of Miedema and that’s one of the major reasons. Consistent effort in Lappalainen’s game was also brought up. Hopefully playing at a higher level and with new coaches it isn’t an issue but despite the fact it appears Flint acquired a lot of skill with those picks it is concerning. Also EliteProspects has Courville listed as 6’2 now so that’s good news. I like the pick of Ethan Wyttenbach. He put up a lot of points in the USHL last year. A few guys came over from the USHL to the O last season and put up points despite the fact they weren’t doing that in the USHL. Draft looks good so far on paper but there’s probably somewhere between 19 and 20 OHL fanbase’s saying the same thing.
 
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Some prospect reports from the OHL Website.




Wasn’t really thrilled to read OHL4Life comparing Murata to Ethan Miedema. He was questioning his shift to shift effort. I’ve never been a fan of Miedema and that’s one of the major reasons. Consistent effort in Lappalainen’s game was also brought up. Hopefully playing at a higher level and with new coaches it isn’t an issue but despite the fact it appears Flint acquired a lot of skill with those picks it is concerning. Also EliteProspects has Courville listed as 6’2 now so that’s good news. I like the pick of Ethan Wyttenbach. He put up a lot of points in the USHL last year. A few guys came over from the USHL to the O last season and put up points despite the fact they weren’t doing that in the USHL. Draft looks good so far on paper but there’s probably somewhere between 19 and 20 OHL fanbase’s saying the same thing.
For what it’s worth - Murata has been the best player on a team that’s been the best minor hockey team in Ontario for 7 straight years. They rarely ever lost a game so not having a consistent effort shift after shift could be a result of complacency and lack of competition more than anything. He could be a bust, sure… but more likely he will be a steal at 8th overall. Good pick!
 
For what it’s worth - Murata has been the best player on a team that’s been the best minor hockey team in Ontario for 7 straight years. They rarely ever lost a game so not having a consistent effort shift after shift could be a result of complacency and lack of competition more than anything. He could be a bust, sure… but more likely he will be a steal at 8th overall. Good pick!
I could definetly understand that and hope you’re right. Flint is lacking in pure goal scorers with Zurawski and probably McCue gone but they’re also lacking anyone outside of Aspinall that exhibits good vision and puck distribution skills too.
 
Nice turnout other than no Wyttenbach. Am I missing anybody else?
I don't think so. But one surprise if he actually shows up. (I feel like we've seen some names before that never showed, could be wrong).

2023 3rd rounder - Harvard commit
Graziano, Luka
RD
5.08.75
154

Sure would have been nice to see Dryden Allen on that list.

Free Agent invites
Yegor Kozlov
Denis Portnoy
Colten Curtin
Judd Knauft - son of former Flint General Lorne Knauft - played 1 game in the USHL.
Anton Stackow
Zack Bleick - Michigan high school invitee
Holt Cruise
Zack Irvin - 2023 Soo Greyhounds draft pick
 
Dryden Allen, Chase Hull, Isaac Nelson, Evan Jardine would have been nice surprises too. U18 Worlds are going down in Texas. I doubt any of them would be there but I guess it is possible.
 
Dryden Allen, Chase Hull, Isaac Nelson, Evan Jardine would have been nice surprises too. U18 Worlds are going down in Texas. I doubt any of them would be there but I guess it is possible.

i get what your saying but chase hull cant play in the ohl
 
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That’s a good start at least with Murata and Courville. I’d love to see them find a solid #1 and then groom Mason into the #2 spot as the season goes on but if he’s getting a bunch of time in Jr. A that’s ok too.
 

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