Firebirds Announce the Promotion of Mike Oliverio to Head Scout – Ontario Hockey League

Flint, Mich – The Flint Firebirds today announced that Mike Oliverio will serve as the team’s new Head Scout.

“We’re very excited to have elevated Mike Oliverio to head scout,” said President of Hockey Operations Terry Christensen. “He brings decades of OHL experience to the position as a player, coach and scout. He understands what it’s going to take to bring a championship-level pedigree to the Firebirds.”

Oliverio has served as a scout for the Firebirds since their inaugural 2015-16 season. His history with the franchise doesn’t stop there as he was a scout for the Plymouth Whalers for 14 seasons from 1997-2011.

“Thanks go out to Rolf (Nilsen) and Terry (Christensen) for this new opportunity,” Oliverio said. “I’ve been with the Whaler/Firebird organization for a long time, both have been first-class organizations and I’m excited for the new challenge as we move along.”

Oliverio’s OHL career started with the Soo Greyhounds from 1983-88. He produced 390 points (153 G, 237 A), good for second all-time in team history, and served as the Greyhounds captain his final two seasons. He returned to the Soo as both an assistant and developmental coach from 2011-15 before returning to the Firebirds.

“This last year was a tough situation and we pulled together,” Oliverio said. “I give credit to the staff. It’s not just one voice here, we’re team-oriented and we’ve had success as a whole staff that I want to keep building on.”

Oliverio, 54, is a native of Sault Ste. Marie and was a 1985 NHL Draft pick of the Quebec Nordiques.