Flint Firebirds' season ends after sweep by Windsor Spitfires

The Spitfires used a strong second period to take the lead and hold on for a 5-3 victory in Game 4.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game in abstract, angular shapes and planes of color, with the puck and players' movements creating dynamic lines of motion across the canvas.The Flint Firebirds' playoff run came to an abrupt end, but their record-breaking season and promising future leave the team and fans optimistic.Flint Today

The Flint Firebirds' season came to an end on Thursday night as they were swept by the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL Playoffs Western Conference Semifinal. The Firebirds took an early 1-0 lead, but the Spitfires scored three straight goals in the second and third periods to go up 3-1. Flint made it close with two late goals, but Windsor sealed the 5-3 win with an empty-netter in the final minute.

Why it matters

The Firebirds had a record-breaking season and made it to the second round of the playoffs, but ultimately fell short of advancing further. This marks the end of their campaign, though the team's head coach expressed pride in the culture and future of the organization.

The details

In the series-clinching Game 4, the Firebirds jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by James Paul. But the Spitfires took control in the second period, scoring three straight goals to go up 3-1. Flint made it close with goals from Nathan Aspinall, but Windsor's Jakub Fibigr and an empty-netter from Jack Nesbitt sealed the 5-3 win and series sweep.

  • The game was played on Thursday, April 17, 2026.

The players

James Paul

A player for the Flint Firebirds who scored the team's first goal in the game.

Nathan Aspinall

A Flint Firebirds player who scored two goals in the losing effort.

Jakub Fibigr

A Windsor Spitfires player who scored a goal to put his team up by two in the third period.

Jack Nesbitt

A Windsor Spitfires player who scored an empty-net goal to seal the win for his team.

Paul Flache

The head coach of the Flint Firebirds, who expressed pride in the team's culture and future despite the playoff sweep.

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What they’re saying

“It's tough right now because in eight days and four games it come to a halt and it just felt too fast, to sudden to proceed other than that this was a record breaking team who had a great first round of the playoffs and I don't know if we seem to run out of gas or what it was something a little more important, but I'm just really proud of the culture that we built here.”

— Paul Flache, Flint Firebirds Head Coach

The takeaway

The Firebirds' season may have ended in disappointment, but the team's head coach is optimistic about the future and the culture they have built in Flint. Despite the sweep, the Firebirds had a record-breaking campaign and made a deep playoff run, laying the groundwork for continued success down the road.