Flint Firebirds at Hamilton Bulldogs
It was a 7-3 final for the Flint in this game. Flint started flat in this game, down 3-1, but scored 6 unanswered goals to win the game. The Firebirds have a deep all round veteran team with very few draft eligible’s in the line-up, but their two draft eligible forwards both contributed in the game. Write-ups on the 2020 draft eligible players from both teams can be found below.
Flint Firebirds Draft Eligible
4 Tyler Deline (did not play)
19 Riley Piercy (was a factor, see report)
22 Marcus Gretz (played, was not a factor)
73 Jack Harper (did not play)
91 Yevgeni Oksentyuk (was a factor, see report)
Yevgeni Oksentyuk (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B-) Forward
Flint’s first round pick in the 2019 import draft has been impressive offensively all season long. In his first OHL season Oksentyuk has put up 62 points in 47 games. He has dynamic speed and can create separation with his first few steps. An undersized forward (5’7”) he is very strong on his feet and plays with a strong stick in the cycle game. He plays with a low center of gravity and is difficult to knock off the puck on the rush and the cycle. He is a puck hound with good footwork and edges and will take a straight line to the puck when pursuing opposition players. On the offensive side of the puck he used his solid frame and low center of gravity to get to the net frequently. His edge work and quick first step created space for himself all game and his stick was always in the ready position for passes in the scoring area. Oksentyuk set up 3 goals in the game – all primary assists where he created space off the rush and found his line mates in close to score. Game Grade: B+
Riley Piercey (4.25 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — C) Forward
Piercy was recently traded from the Barrie Colts to Flint and has been very effective in the new uniform. He had 13 points in 35 games with Barrie prior to the trade and since the trade has already surpassed his totals in Barrie in just 15 games – with 16 points. The lanky winger who skates well and has a decent scoring touch around the net is benefiting from the change of scenery. Piercy was effective today in Hamilton with his cycle game and ability to get into good scoring lanes. He scored a goal scorers goal to tie the game late in the second. He showed good net presence and reach in close to tip the puck an out of position goaltender. He plays a reliable two way game and is responsible on the boards in transition. Piercy was most effective today in the cycle game where his size, length, and high IQ allowed him to give and go with his line mates for extended periods. His line worked well together and generated a number of good quality offensive shifts. Piercy was a played a key role with his work in the corners and along the boards to create turnovers. Game Grade: B-
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: Paul O’Hagan
