Player outrage gets coaches reinstated
Owner of OHL’s Firebirds admits ‘mistake,’ reverses course in face of team revolt
FLINT, MICH.— The owner of the Flint Firebirds junior hockey team apologized Monday for firing his coaching staff over the weekend, saying he made an “irresponsible mistake” and has reinstated the men to their jobs.
According to multiple reports, Rolf Nilsen fired head coach John Gruden and assistants Dave Karpa and Petr Jonak because his son — defenceman Hakon Nilsen — was not receiving enough playing time.
As a show of solidarity, each player — including the owner’s son — handed in his jersey and quit, according to reports.
“Today the team’s senior leadership met with the players to apologize and have a very frank discussion about next steps we as team will take to remedy the situation,” Nilsen said.
“Ontario Hockey League commissioner David Branch is in Flint this afternoon meeting with all parties involved. We are fully co-operating with this investigation and will look to the findings to help us to continue to grow as a team.”
After the Firebirds defeated the reigning Memorial Cup champion
“I made a decision with regards to our coaching staff which was an irresponsible mistake.” ROLF NILSON FLINT FIREBIRDS OWNER
Oshawa Generals 4-3 on Sunday, the team was told about the dismissals.
“(Sunday) night, after our emotional overtime game against the Oshawa Generals, I made a decision with regards to our coaching staff which was an irresponsible mistake,” Nilsen said in the statement.
The Firebirds are playing their first season in Flint after moving from nearby Plymouth, Mich.
Messages left with front-office staff members and Firebird team officials were not immediately returned Monday.
Branch was not available for comment, according to a league spokesman.
Flint improved to 7-9-0-1 after its victory on Sunday. The Firebirds have 15 points on the season and are in ninth place in the 10-team Western Conference.
Nilsen purchased the club from Peter Karmanos Jr., and the OHL’s board of governors approved the sale and relocation of the team last February.