Flint Firebirds, Sarnia Sting to play preseason game in Port Huron

By @MichaelCaples –

The Flint Firebirds are settling into their new arena, but during the preseason, they’re taking their show on the road.

The OHL franchise will play an exhibition contest with the Sarnia Sting at McMorran Place in Port Huron on Sept. 20.

The game will serve as the final preseason game for each club before the Firebirds begin their inaugural OHL season under new ownership and a new name.

“Port Huron is a great hockey town with an incredible hockey tradition, said Firebirds president Costa Papista in a statement. “We are excited to be a part of this OHL neutral site contest.  We will play the Sarnia Sting eight times in our inaugural season, so this will be the beginning of an intense rivalry for both of our respective clubs.”

It won’t be much of a drive for either team; the drive between the home of the Sarnia Sting and McMorran Place is currently estimated at 21 minutes (only 7.5 miles) on Google Maps (at 3:40 p.m. ET).

“We are looking forward to bringing OHL hockey back to Port Huron for this exhibition game with Flint,” said Sting coach and co-owner Derian Hatcher, a Michigan native. “Port Huron is a fantastic hockey city with a lot of history in the game. We are also pleased to announce that this game will be included for our loyal season ticket holders in their package. It will be fun to kick off a new rivalry with Flint in a special way.”

Tickets can be purchased through the McMorran Place Box Office beginning on Friday, July 24 at 10 a.m.