Firebirds Announce Hockey Operations Staff Update

Firebirds Announce Hockey Operations Staff Update

Published on September 18, 2026 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)

Flint Firebirds News Release

FLINT - The Flint Firebirds announced an update to their Hockey Operations staff on Friday ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Coaching Staff

Assistant Coach Reijo Ruotsalainen has stepped away after three seasons with Flint. He has decided to return home to Finland to spend more time with his family.

Scott MacDonald has been promoted to Assistant Coach. This is MacDonald's third season with the Firebirds; he spent last year as the Director of Analytics and Video.

Cal Hofford has been named the Skills Development and Video Coach. Hofford joined the Firebirds before last season and has experience as a video coach at the OHL and NHL levels.

Head Coach Paul Flache, Assistant Coach Justin Solcz, Goaltending Coach Rob Liddell, along with MacDonald and Hofford, have signed multi-year contract extensions, keeping them in Flint through the 2028-29 season.

Management

Head Scout Mike Oliverio has been promoted to Assistant General Manager. General Manager Dave McParlan, Director of Goaltending Development Luc Lobsinger, and Oliverio have signed multi-year ...