Barclay Branch named new Flint Firebirds GM

By @StefanKubus –

The Ontario Hockey League announced changes to the Flint Firebirds management staff on Monday.

Fresh off Flint’s first-ever postseason appearance, Barclay Branch will be the team’s new general manager, replacing last year’s league-appointed George Burnett. Burnett was originally brought in by the OHL to work with the players, parents and hockey operations staff on and off the ice and will be taking on a new role with the league.

“Over the last year George Burnett has provided the Flint Firebirds with a strong foundation on which to develop the team, the players, and continued success within the community of Flint and Genesee County,” OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development & Special Events Joe Birch said in a release. “On behalf of the OHL, I want to thank George for his commitment to the Firebirds and his hard work over the last year.  I’d also like to welcome Barclay Branch who we as the League feel will help continue strengthening this foundation backed by a strong team in the hockey operations department including assistant general manager Joe Stefan and head coach Ryan Oulahen.”

Branch, the son of CHL president and OHL commissioner David Branch, was most recently the GM of the Sudbury Wolves, but also spent time with the Belleville Bulls and Oshawa Generals across his 17-year career in major junior hockey. He is also entering his fourth season as a regional under-17 scout for Hockey Canada.

“I am excited to join the Flint Firebirds organization and work with the staff and the league to continue the team’s development and carry on the successes of this past season,” said Barclay Branch, incoming General Manager. “There is a real future for OHL hockey in Flint and I look forward to being part of it.”