From the catastrophe that was the Flint Firebirds' inaugural season emerged Will Bitten. The ninth overall pick in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection was the Firebirds’ top scorer, and best player. At the U18s, Bitten showcased his versatility, playing a variety of roles throughout the lineup while demonstrating his high-end smarts and skill.
The Firebirds circus began when owner Rolf Nilsen felt his son Hakon wasn’t getting enough ice time, so he fired the coaching staff. The whole team walked out, son included, and the staff was reinstated. However, when Nilsen fired the coaching staff once again, the OHL stepped in and installed their own group to manage the team while removing Nilsen.