Flint Firebirds owner Rolf Nilsen receives 5-year suspension from OHL

The Ontario Hockey League has issued stiff penalties to Flint Firebirds owner Rolf Nilsen for violating the terms of an agreement made between himself and the league on "several occasions."

Commissioner David Branch issued a statement Wednesday, ordering these sanctions on the Firebirds owner:

• Rolf Nilsen be suspended by the OHL from being involved directly or indirectly with hockey operations of the Flint Firebirds for five years effective immediately;
• The Flint Firebirds forfeit a first-round draft pick in the 2016 OHL Priority Selection (third pick overall);
• A fine be paid by Rolf Nilsen to the League in the amount of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000.00)

If Nilsen doesn't comply with these sanctions, the OHL will order him to sell 100 percent of his ownership interest in the club. He may apply for reinstatement to participate in hockey operations in three years.

Acting director of hockey operations Joe Birch - who has held the position since February - will remain in his current role.

The league took control of the team's hockey operations in February after Nilsen fired the team's coaching staff for the second time that season.

The OHL Priority Selection is scheduled to take place Saturday.