The Flint Firebirds took a big 5-2 victory in Niagara on Friday, where Anaheim Ducks prospect Coulson Pitre skated in his second game wearing the 'C' for the Firebirds.
Coulson Pitre was named the new Flint Firebirds captain just a few days ago, as he skated in his second game wearing the 'C' against the Niagara IceDogs. The Firebirds took a dominant 5-2 victory in a game where they held the momentum for most of it.
Pitre was named the sixth captain in franchise history on Wednesday, as the 2004-born winger will look to lead Flint into the playoffs.
"It's special being recognized from my coaches and teammates like that," said Coulson. "I gotta put my best foot forward for them and for the team."
Hockey runs in the Pitre family, as Coulson's younger brother Kaden also plays on the Firebirds.
"It's pretty special, not many guys get to play with their younger brother."
The brothers have been able to play on the same line for a lot of this season — Coulson on the right wing, Kaden in the middle.
"The bond we share makes us play that much better, with the chemistry that we have."
Coulson's draft eligible season was last year, and now Kaden is entering his own draft year.
Coulson was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the third round (65th overall) after a stellar draft-eligible season as a late 2004-born player. He had 60 points in 59 games. It was his mature, translatable game that got him drafted so high.
He talked about how "surreal" it was "being at the draft and walking down to the stage."
"I never thought I'd get to experience that, and it's a huge honour to be drafted by Anaheim."
Pitre doesn't shy away from the physical game, he's tough to play against and a nightmare for opponents to deal with in the attacking zone. His combination of quick playmaking/decision making and his strength makes him a constant threat.
He has the ability to drive the inside and drive through players to consistently make plays from in tight with the puck. He's also able to be relied upon in a variety of situations, on the power play, even strength, and he is super dangerous on the penalty kill.
Pitre wasn't the only Firebird called on draft day, as his teammates Tristan Bertucci (DAL) & Nathaniel Day (EDM) were also selected.
Pitre and Bertucci were both in attendance for the NHL Combine & Draft, and were able to go through the experience together.
"We're pretty close, it's pretty special and we got to room [together] at the combine. We got to experience everything together, it just made everything more fun," said Pitre.
Coulson is on a similar pace production-wise compared to last season, with 39 points through 38 games. He doesn't have as much help anymore up-front, with management dealing Braeden Kressler, Gavin Hayes, & Zacharie Giroux ahead of the trade deadline.
Pitre's responsibility just grew substantially, from being named captain, to being the new "go-to" guy when his team needs something in a game. This will be a great testament to his experience and maturity in this league as a nineteen-year-old.