Follow the Flint Firebirds: Follow @flintfirebirds

Toronto, Ont. – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the Top OHL Performers of the Month for regular season games played in October 2015 including Erie Otters forward Alex DeBrincat, Flint Firebirds defenseman Vili Saarijärvi, Mississauga Steelheads rookie Alexander Nylander and Kingston Frontenacs goaltender Lucas Peressini.

Flint Firebirds 18 year-old blueliner Vili Saarijärvi was named the OHL Defenseman of the Month earlier today. The Detroit Red Wings prospect put together an outstanding first full month in the OHL, scoring two goals along with 9 assists for 11 points in 11 contests to go with a plus/minus rating of plus-9. The Finnish rearguard registered points in seven of his 11 October appearances, scoring his first OHL goal as part of a two-goal effort against the Ottawa 67’s on October 16th. Saarijärvi had three multi-point performances, including three assists against the Peterborough Petes on October 11th. Saarijärvi is currently tied for the lead in scoring among OHL defensemen with two goals, 14 assists and 16 points in 14 games.

A native of Rovaniemi, Finland, Saarijärvi was Flint’s first round, ninth overall selection in the 2015 CHL Import Draft. A third round pick by the Detroit Red Wings at the 2015 NHL Draft, Saarijärvi was named best defenseman of the 2015 World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Switzerland after he paced Finland to a fourth place finish with three goals, six assists and nine points in seven games.

The Flint Firebirds return home to the Dort Federal Event Center this Saturday vs. the Guelph Storm and Sunday vs. the defending CHL Memorial Cup Champions, Oshawa Generals. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m. (ET) and 5 p.m. respectively.

Tickets are $12 for bronze, $15 for silver and $19 for corporate/gold seating and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by visiting the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or by phone at (810) 744-0580.

For media inquiries, contact:

Dominic Hennig

Director of Broadcasting & Communications

Flint Firebirds Hockey Club

dominic@flintfirebirds.com

(810) 519-9347