Firebirds’ Youth Movement Aims to Sustain AHL Momentum
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are poised for a reshaped roster as they blend promising rookies with veteran departures, setting the stage for the upcoming AHL season
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Coachella Valley Firebirds across Hockey.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are poised for a reshaped roster as they blend promising rookies with veteran departures, setting the stage for the upcoming AHL season
A look at how the Seattle Kraken’s draft classes have performed from 2021 through 2024, highlighting standout players and the challenges that remain.

Ron Francis, a Hall‑of‑Fame center who captured two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins, is set to advise the team, while veteran defenseman Justin Schultz returns to Seattle as a player development coach. Young centerman Logan Morrison also secures a new contract with the Kraken after a breakout AHL season.

The Kansas City Mavericks captured the best regular‑season record in franchise history, advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals and supplied nine players to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, underscoring the ECHL's role as a crucial feeder for the Seattle Kraken and the NHL.

A 4‑1 lead evaporated in the final minutes as the Florida Everblades forced a fourth overtime, securing the Kelly Cup with a 5‑4 victory over the Kansas City Mavericks.

At the 2026 AHL Team Business Meetings, Mason Wilks was presented with the Frank Torres Memorial Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to ticket sales and service, while the award itself commemorates the legacy of Frank Torres, a longtime advocate for the league’s growth.

At the 2026 AHL Team Business Meetings, the league presented its prestigious Ken McKenzie Award to Ryan Holt of the Bakersfield Condors and the Frank Torres Memorial Award to Mason Wilks of the San Jose Barracuda, highlighting outstanding leadership in promotion and sales.

At the NHL Combine in Montreal, forward Berkly Catton described himself as a dolphin, sparking buzz about the Canadiens’ unconventional questioning. Meanwhile, Detroit captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request and a charity golf victory by ex‑Kraken players highlight the mix of humor and strategy that defines modern hockey.

After a distinguished 12‑year career with the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, Max McCormick hangs up his skates, citing a desire to return to his roots and mentor the next generation.

Veteran forward Max McCormick announced his retirement on Tuesday, closing a career that included a captaincy of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, stints with the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken, and a legacy as the franchise’s all‑time leader in goals and points.

After twelve years of professional hockey, forward Max McCormick has retired, leaving behind a legacy of record‑setting performances, back‑to‑back conference titles, and lasting community contributions that the Firebirds will honor during the 2026‑2027 season.

After a 12‑year professional hockey career, Max McCormick has retired, leaving behind a legacy of record‑setting performance, back‑to‑back Western Conference titles and recognition for his community impact. The Firebirds will celebrate his contributions during the 2026‑27 season.

Captain and forward Max McCormick has hung up his skates after a 12‑year professional career, leaving behind franchise records and a legacy of community service that the Firebirds will celebrate next season.
After a 202‑game tenure that made him the Firebirds’ all‑time leading scorer, Max McCormick steps away from the ice, citing hip surgery and a desire to focus on family and community work.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds hosted a floor hockey clinic and career forum at Nellie N. Coffman Middle School, rewarding students and connecting with broadcasters ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

The Kansas City Mavericks clinched the Western Conference with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Fort Wayne Comets, setting up a Kelly Cup Finals showdown against the Florida Everblades.

After a productive year with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, forward Jagger Firkus is focusing on physical development and a potential NHL debut with the Kraken.

Nikita Novikov’s short tenure with the Ontario Reign saw limited offensive production but valuable playoff experience, setting the stage for his return to the Buffalo Sabres organization.

The Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliates have delivered dramatic playoff performances, highlighted by the Firebirds’ youthful surge and the Mavericks’ early dominance, setting the stage for new collaborations.

Cleveland holds a 2‑1 edge over Toronto, driven by early goals, strong goaltending and a roster that includes Owen Sillinger, Zach Sawchenko and other standouts.

The Seattle Kraken’s prospect pool climbs to fifth in the NHL, driven by standout talents like Jake O’Brien and Berkly Catton, while internal debates over development strategy surface ahead of an organizational audit.

The Seattle Kraken are poised to make a notable selection at the top of the upcoming NHL Draft, eyeing University of North Dakota defenseman Keaton Verhoeff as a potential cornerstone for their blue line. Meanwhile, the Coachella Valley Firebirds are locked in a tightly contested series against the Colorado Eagles, with J.R. Avon delivering a pivotal performance. The Kraken's ECHL affiliate, the Kansas City Mavericks, have completed a four‑game sweep of the Mountain Division Finals, extending their perfect postseason record.

The Firebirds erupted in the third period, delivering a 4-0 victory over the Colorado Eagles, with J.R. Avon and Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard leading the offense and goalie Nikke Kokko turning in 33 saves.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds aim to even their series against the Colorado Eagles after a 3‑0 loss, while the Springfield Thunderbirds force a Game 2 overtime win, highlighting key performances from emerging talent and steady goaltending.