Insult to Injury

The ongoing saga of the Flint Firebirds has reached its conclusion (one can only hope), as OHL commissioner David Branch has made a statement, which can be found on the OHL site:

Based upon an investigation at my request by Terrence O’Sullivan of the law firm of Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP, I am satisfied that Rolf Nilsen of the Flint Firebirds has on several occasions violated an agreement he signed on the 11^th day of November, 2015, between himself and the OHL.  Those violations are contrary to the best interests of the players, the Team, and the OHL.

In view of these findings, in accordance with the OHL Constitution, I have ordered that:

• Rolf Nilsen be suspended by the OHL from being involved directly or indirectly with hockey operations of the Flint Firebirds for five (5) years effective immediately;

• The Flint Firebirds forfeit a first round draft pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection (third pick overall);

• A fine be paid by Rolf Nilsen to the League in the amount of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00);

If it is determined by the League that Rolf Nilsen has violated this Order, the League may order Rolf Nilsen to sell one hundred percent (100%) of the ownership interest of the Flint Firebirds.

Furthermore, Rolf Nilsen may after three (3) years apply for reinstatement to participate in hockey operations of the Flint Firebirds.

During the currency of this Order, the hockey operations of the Flint Firebirds shall be under the stewardship, supervision and direction of the Commissioner.

The OHL is pleased to announce that Joe Birch, who has led the Flint Firebirds hockey operations since February, 2016, will continue in his role as Director of Hockey Operations, with a General Manager, Head Coach, and additional hockey operations staff to be appointed in the near future.

 In a nutshell, the decision laid down by Branch effectively means that the Firebirds will not only be likely in a perpetual rebuild, but that rebuild will be delayed a year, as this year's first round pick in the OHL Priority Draft is gone for them. While Nilsen is still technically owner of the Firebirds, and it is likely that an ugly battle in the courts may ensue, his time as owner of a hockey team is likely over. Five years is a long time to be away, and while the city of Flint is still embracing the team despite the problems, the ability to stay competitive may become a problem if it wasn't already, which could in turn, drive people away from the arena.

I'm sure this isn't what the people of Flint signed up for when the team was brought there from Plymouth, MI, and for one man's actions, a team, its coaches, and a city are paying a price. It's not fair, but something had to be done before things went to ruins, which could still happen if the team does end up moving, a possibility that exists.