Business Spotlight April 2025 -Flint Firebirds

The Flint Firebirds are a major junior hockey team that competes in the prestigious Ontario Hockey League. Made up of 20 teams located throughout Ontario, Michigan and Pennsylvania, the OHL is known as the premier developmental hockey league in the world. 25% of all players on NHL opening night rosters at the outset of the 2024-25 season were OHL alumni and the Firebirds have had at least one player selected in the NHL Draft every year since the team’s inception.

The Firebirds first hit the ice in 2015 when Rolf Nilsen purchased the franchise and relocated it to Flint from Plymouth, Michigan, and are celebrating the 10th year of operation. The team has qualified for the playoffs in each of the last five seasons and set a new franchise attendance record with 3,185 fans per game in the 2024-25 season. The Firebirds are a community-focused organization, having raised over $1 million for local charities and non-profits throughout the team’s history. The organization is proud to provide substantial economic impact with 34 home games per season at the Dort Financial Center, along with an affordable family-friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages throughout Genesee County.