Report: Flint Firebirds' coaching staff reinstated following players' strike
The Flint Firebirds appear to be coming back together following a rocky 24 hours. On Sunday night, the team's owners reportedly fired the coaching staff following the Firebirds' come-from-behind win over the Oshawa Generals. Reports from numerous outlets stated that owner Rolf Nilsen was unhappy with his son, Hakon Nilsen's, playing time. All of the players --- Nilsen's son included -- walked out on the owners after hearing their coaches had been fired.
The team owners, coaches and players all met Monday morning, however, and it seems the strike worked as multiple reports claim the coaches have been reinstated and the team will return.
I can confirm Firebirds head coach John Gruden and his staff have been reinstated... I CANT confirm 3 year deals #OHL
— Ryan Slocum (@Sloc12) November 9, 2015
This year is the Firebirds' inaugural season in Flint, Mich. The franchise previously existed as the Plymouth Whalers based out of Plymouth, Mich. It is the same organization where current Stars center Tyler Seguin played his junior hockey before he was drafted No. 2 overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2010 NHL Draft. Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals also played for the team when it was still the Whalers. Wilson spoke out about the situation on Twitter Monday.
Upsetting to hear about situation with @FlintFirebirds. Was such a first class organization in Plymouth. Hoping players aren't impacted.
— Tom Wilson (@tom_wilso) November 9, 2015
