This week, the Flint Firebirds announced the signing of 2025 first-round pick Charlie Murata and 2025 third-round pick Mason Courville. 

"I'm grateful for everything and truly honored to play for such a caring organization," said Murata. "None of this would be possible without everyone who helped me along the way ... I can't wait to get started. Go Birds!"

The Firebirds selected Murata eighth overall in the 2025 draft. He spent the 2025-25 season playing for the Don Mills Flyers U-16 AAA team in the GTHL. He was second in scoring on the team with 50 goals and 97 points.

According to Flint Head Scout Mike Oliverio, Murata is an elite skater with an above-average hockey IQ. He routinely makes the players around him better and can change the tide of a game every time he gets on the ice. 

OHL Central Scouting's report on Charlie Murata corroborates Oliverio's assessment, listing Murata as a game changer who moves effortlessly on the ice. 

Flyers Prospect Wins Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy Earlier today, the Ontario Hockey League announced Denver Barkey as the recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year.

Only Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue scored more than a point-per-game for Flint last season, and McCue only played 20 games for Flint. 

Murata is an elite player with the potential to be a game-changer offensively. Depending on how he develops next year, he could be a very important part of Flint's offense by providing a scoring boost to the roster. 

The Firebirds' second signing of the week was 55th overall selection Mason Courville. Hailing from Pelmyra, Pennsylvania, Courville is a 6-foot-2 goaltender who played for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights 15-U AAA team last year. Courville maintained a 2.09 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage in 22 games last season. 

"I started playing hockey as a goalie for the Lancaster Firebirds as number 55, so it was God's plan when the Firebirds called my name at pick 55," said Courville. "Signing with the Flint Firebirds is a dream come true." 

Courville's father, Larry, played four seasons in the OHL with the Cornwall/Newmarket Royals, Sarnia Sting and Oshawa Generals. He won a gold medal at the 1995 World Juniors playing for Canada. 

"Mason is an athletic goalie with a solid foundation to his game," said Flint Goaltending Scout Luc Lobsinger. "He has the highest compete level of any goaltender in his draft class ... For a 15-year-old, Mason plays with a ton of confidence and has a lot of pro habits built into his game." 

Generals Snag Narrow Victory In Game One Of The OHL Final Last night, the Oshawa Generals snapped London's 17-game postseason winning streak by claiming a narrow 4-2 victory in game one of the OHL Championship.

Edmonton Oilers prospects Nathan Day, Noah Bender and Jacob Brown are all eligible to return to Flint next season. As such, it may be a year before Firebirds fans get to see Courville between the pipes wearing Flint's blue and orange jersey. 

However, neither Bender nor Brown had fantastic numbers last season. If they continue to struggle, it is entirely possible that Courville takes up the crease earlier than expected. 

Depending on how much Flint liked Courville at camp, they could consider moving one of their three goaltenders to make room for their third-round pick. 

Between Murata and Courville, Flint has secured their future on offense and between the pipes. Both players have the potential to play big minutes for the club.