Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Coachella Valley Firebirds across Hockey.
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.
Jake O'Brien, the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NHL draft, made his professional debut with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the Pacific Division Finals. Though the team fell 3‑0, O'Brien's smart plays and composure drew praise from coach Derek Laxdal and hint at a broader rule change that could keep him in the AHL next season.
The 2026 IIHF World Championship opens in Switzerland with new participants and a packed schedule, featuring several Seattle Kraken players on international rosters.
Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expects the return of defenseman Josh Manson to add size and physicality for Game Four against the Minnesota Wild, while forward Joel Kiviranta’s status remains uncertain and AHL call‑up Jack Ahcan may see limited NHL time.