The Flint Firebirds’ victory against the Oshawa Generals Nov. 8 concluded with the players walking out in support of their head coach John Gruden, after he was fired.

Firebirds owner, Mr. Rolf Nilsen, fired Gruden and the rest of the coaching staff and then discussed the situation obliquely in a press release Nov. 9.

“Last night, after our emotional shootout game against the Oshawa Generals, I made a decision with regards to our coaching staff, which was an irresponsible mistake,” Nilsen said.

According to OHL Insiders, Nilsen was allegedly displeased with the amount of playing time that his son, 17-year-old rookie defenseman Hakon Nilsen, had been receiving.

However, Gruden was reinstated along with the other coaches on Nov 9, according to the press release.

The Firebirds, who are in their first season of play in the Ontario Hockey League, have yet to publicly disclose the specifics of the firing and rehiring.

But Nilsen said his organization is devoted to giving Flint fans the best hockey product it can.

“The Flint Firebirds’ management remains committed to providing the best hockey experience for our players, our fans, and the Flint and Genesee County community,” Nilsen said.

One fan, senior Tyler Schwerin, was displeased with the situation.

“I don’t think it’s right that Gruden acted out that way specifically,” Schwerin said.

In addition, some fans were frustrated, questioning if the team would bounce back after the controversy.

Freshman Lance Hawkins, a season ticket holder, wondered if this incident would affect the team’s play.

However, just 33 seconds into Friday’s game, Nov. 13, against the Sarnia Sting, Nicholas Caamano gave the Firebirds an early 1-0 lead.

The good news for Hawkins and the other 2,819 fans in attendance was they found out quickly that the team had bounced back.

Hawkins thought the players were inspired by the events of the last week.

“If anything, it gave them a boost,” Hawkins said. “They came out early in this game and were up 4-0.”

The Firebirds held on late to win 4-3 at the Dort Federal Event Center.

Senior Mikayla Stevens is happy that the walkout was not the end of the Firebirds.

“We need hockey because it is a great way to get people together again,” Stevens said. “The Firebirds give our community hope. We have something to get crazy excited about, and I am more than happy that they were able to overcome this bump in the road.”