Media Release Contact: Dominic Hennig Director, Broadcasting & Communications June 13, 2016 [email protected] (810) 519-9347 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MacDonald and Matwijiw Complete Firebirds’ Coaching Staff

Flint, Mich. – The completed their coaching staff hires Monday, announcing Stan Matwijiw will return as the club’s goaltending coach and Scott MacDonald as the assistant coach & video coordinator.

“Stan brings a lot of OHL experience to our organization and has a proven track record in developing goaltenders in this league,” said Flint Firebirds Head Coach . “Stan will bring knowledge, energy and a positive outlook to our club on a daily basis.”

Stan Matwijiw (pronounced muh-twiv) returns for his second campaign with the Firebirds and ninth season as a goalie coach in the Hockey League (OHL). In his eight seasons with the , Stan produced four NHL draft picks including former Flint Firebirds goaltender as well as , Matt Mahalak and . Prior to his time in Plymouth, Stan was the goalie consultant at the University of for seven seasons.

“I am happy to be back with the Flint Firebirds for a second season,” said Matwijiw. “I look forward to an exciting year ahead.”

“Stan brings tremendous experience and knowledge with an excellent record for developing young goaltenders for the next level,” said Flint Firebirds General Manager George Burnett. “He will be a valuable addition to our program.”

MacDonald comes to the Firebirds with more than 12 years of experience in the sports technology field. Most recently, he was an assistant coach and video coordinator for the Plymouth Whalers for four seasons from 2010-14 under .

“Scott has a skill set that is really going to help compliment Eric and myself on a daily basis,” added Oulahen. “Like Stan, he brings a lot of OHL experience to our club and we look forward to getting started this season.”

MacDonald holds a degree from the University of Michigan in Sports Management & Communications and has worked with various respected organizations such as the United States Olympic Committee, New England Patriots, , New York Rangers and the Senators. -more-

Flint Firebirds Hockey Club, Member of the and 3501 Lapeer Road, Flint, Michigan 48503 www.flintfirebirds.com “It’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to work with the Firebirds’ organization,” said MacDonald. “I’ve worked with many guys on the staff in the past and I’m looking forward to bringing a winning program to the City of Flint.”

“Scott is an experienced video coordinator and has a strong coaching background with the ability to provide great versatility to our coaching staff,” added Burnett.

Season ticket packages for the Flint Firebirds 2016-17 season are on sale now and can be purchased at the Dort Federal Event Center Box Office, Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET). More information on tickets can be found at FlintFirebirds.com or by calling Mary Nagy at the Box Office at (810) 744-0580.

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Flint Firebirds Hockey Club, Member of the Ontario Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League 3501 Lapeer Road, Flint, Michigan 48503 www.flintfirebirds.com