2022–23 Coachella Valley Firebirds season

Hockey team season

2022–23 Coachella Valley Firebirds
Western Conference champions
League2nd AHL
Division2nd Pacific
Conference2nd Western
2022–23 record48–17–5–2 (103 pts)
Home record26–7–1–2
Road record22–10–4–0
Goals for257
Goals against194
Team information
General managerTroy Bodie (de facto - VP of Hockey Operations)
CoachDan Bylsma
Assistant coachJessica Campbell
Stu Bickel
CaptainMax McCormick
Alternate captainsGustav Olofsson
Andrew Poturalski
ArenaAcrisure Arena
Average attendance7,478
Team leaders
GoalsKole Lind (30)
AssistsBrogan Rafferty (42)
PointsMax McCormick (67)
Penalty minutesIan McKinnon (102)
WinsJoey Daccord (26)
Goals against averageShane Starrett (1.00)

The 2022–23 Coachella Valley Firebirds season was the franchise's inaugural season in the American Hockey League (AHL), starting on October 16, 2022, and ending on June 21, 2023, after they were eliminated in game seven of the Calder Cup finals. They played their home games at Acrisure Arena.

On March 15, 2023, the Firebirds clinched a playoff berth for the first time in franchise history after a 4–1 win against the Iowa Wild.[1] The Firebirds went to the Calder Cup final, losing in game seven to the Hershey Bears.[2]

Off-season

Inaugural Firebirds captain Max McCormick.

Starting in 2018, the National Hockey League (NHL) had begun making plans for acquiring a minor league affiliate in the AHL for the NHL's new expansion team, the Seattle Kraken. On June 26, 2019, it was reported that Palm Springs would be the site of Seattle's new AHL affiliate.[3] The expansion franchise was approved by the AHL Board of Governors on September 30, 2019.[4] Delays associated with building a new arena caused play to be pushed back to the 2022–23 season. In the meantime, Seattle affiliated with the Charlotte Checkers for the 2021–22 season, sharing the team with the Florida Panthers.[5]

Over the off-season, the Firebirds signed many contracts with their to-be inaugural season players. They signed players Samuel Bucek, Ian McKinnon, Matt Tennyson, David Cotton, Jimmy Schuldt, Eddie Wittchow, Jake McLaughlin, and Callum Booth.[6] They lost 2021–22 Checkers players Connor Carrick, Dennis Cholowski, and. Antoine Bibeau.[6] On June 21, 2022, Dan Bylsma was named at the Firebirds' inaugural head coach, after serving as an affiliate coach the previous season with the Checkers.[7] On the day of the Firebirds' first game, October 16, it announced that the team's inaugural captain would be Max McCormick, with alternate captains being Andrew Poturalski and Gustav Olofsson.[8]

Regular season

October

Jesper Froden, pictured here with the Seattle Kraken, was named the AHL Player of the Month for the month of October.

The Firebirds started their season with a two-game road trip against the Calgary Wranglers on October 16 and 17, winning both games.[9] The Firebirds then started a series of "home" games in Seattle and Everett, WA, playing games against the Abbotsford Canucks and the Calgary Wranglers at the Kraken Community Iceplex, Climate Pledge Arena, and Angel of the Winds Arena on October 21, 23, 28, and 29.[10] In the October 29 game, goaltender Callum Booth stopped 38 out of 41 shots, achieving his first and only win with the Firebirds.[11] Jesper Froden was named the AHL Player of the Month for the month of October, with eleven points in six games with the Firebirds.[12]

November

Coachella Valley would embark on a 16-game road trip throughout November 4 to December 16.[13] The road trip started on October 4, with a 3–2 loss to the Abbotsford Canucks, with a 3–1 win to the Canucks the next day. In said win, forward Kole Lind attained the first hat-trick in franchise history, and goaltender Shane Starrett would make his only appearance of the season stopping 19 of 20 shots.[14] The following game, a 4–1 win on November 11 against the Tucson Roadrunners, would see the Firebirds shoot a franchise record 38 shots-on-goal (SOG).[15] The next day, Andrew Poturalski would score the game-winning goal in the franchise's first overtime win, a 4–3 win against Tucson.[16]

The Firebirds would then face their first two franchise overtime losses, both to the Colorado Eagles, on November 18 and 19.[17][18] The Firebirds would then lose the 5–3 to the Wranglers on November 22. Shane Wright, playing in his first Firebirds game after being loaned from the Kraken, scored his first professional goal.[19] Coachella Valley would avenge the loss with a five-game win streak. The first win would come on November 24, with a 4–3 score, with the game-winning-goal being scored off the stick of Cameron Hughes off a pass from Brogan Rafferty with only 6.3 seconds left in the game.[20] Two days later, on November 26, the Firebirds would achieve a 4–1 victory over the San Diego Gulls.[21]

December

The Firebirds would start December by continuing their win streak. On December 2, goaltender Joey Daccord would record a 1–0 shutout against the Henderson Silver Knights, the lone goal being scored by Austin Poganski with 5:17 remaining in the third period.[22] The next day, Andrew Poturalski would secure the first shootout win in franchise history, 3–2 win against the Silver Knights.[23] On December 9, Kole Lind's second hat-trick of the season would help the Firebirds to an 8–3 win over the San Jose Barracuda.[24] The Firebirds' winning streak would end in December 10, with a 5–4 overtime loss to the Bakersfield Condors.[25] The would lose again on December 13, with a 7–2 loss to the Tucson Roadrunners, with the Roadrunners scoring 5 power-play goals.[26] The next day, the Firebirds would avenge their loss with a 4–3 comeback win against Tucson, with Carsen Twarynski, Alexander True, and Ryker Evans scoring goals in the third period.[27] The Firebirds would finish their road trip on December 16, with an 8–1 win over the San Diego Gulls, with Jesper Froden achieving a hat-trick.[28]

The Firebirds would play their first ever game at Acrisure Arena in front of a sellout crowd of 10,087 people on December 18, notching a 4–3 win over the Roadrunners. Cameron Hughes would score the first ever goal at Acrisure Arena, at the 8:49 mark of the first period.[29] The Firebirds would get their first loss at Acrisure Arena on December 20, with a 3–2 loss to Tucson.[30] The Firebirds would then embark on a franchise record 14-game point streak from December 22 to January 26. They would start with a 3–2 shootout win at Henderson, in captain Max McCormick's 500th professional game. It would be McCormick himself who scored the shootout-winning goal.[31] On December 23, the Firebirds' teddy bear toss night. Joey Daccord would again achieve a 1–0 shutout over the Silver Knights. With 6:23 left in the game, Luke Henman would score the game’s only goal, sending 7,278 stuffed animals onto the ice.[32] On December 28, the Firebirds would get a 7–6 comeback win over the Ontario Reign, with Andrew Poturalski scoring the game-winning goal with 1:09 left in regulation time.[33] On December 30, goaltender Christopher Gibson would make 24 saves to record a 4–0 shutout against San Jose.[34]

January

Ryker Evans and Andrew Poturalski were selected for the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic.

The Firebirds would come into the new year with a 4–2 win against the Colorado Eagles on January 4, 2023. On January 7, Joey Daccord would get his third shutout of the season in a 4–0 win against the San Jose Barracuda, stopping 39 shots.[35] The only defect in the Firebirds' point streak would come in a 3–2 shootout loss to the Ontario Reign on January 8, with the Reign putting up 50 shots-on-goal.[36] On January 10, the Firebirds would display a 3–2 shootout win against the Barracuda, with Daccord stopping all seven of the Barracuda's shootout attempts. Kole Lind would score the game-winning-goal.[37]

On January 11, the AHL announced the rosters for the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic. Representing Coachella Valley were Ryker Evans and Andrew Poturalski.[38]

The Firebirds would continue their winning streak with Max McCormick scoring the overtime winner against the Bakersfield Condors on January 13.[39] In a 5–2 win to the Tucson Roadrunners on January 16 would see Jesper Froden record his second straight multi-goal game.[40] McCormick would get a hat-trick including another overtime winner in a 5–4 overtime win to the Reign on January 21.[41] Lind, Froden, and Cameron Hughes would score in the third period of a 4–2 comeback victory over the San Diego Gulls the next day.[42] On January 26, Tye Kartye would score the overtime winner in a 3–2 win over the Iowa Wild.[43] The Firebirds' winning streak would come to an end on January 28, in a 5–2 loss to the Wild. The Firebirds couldn't find their offensive touch, as players like McCormick and John Hayden were recalled by Seattle, and Poturalski was sidelined with an injury.[44]

Standings

 y–  indicates team has clinched division and a playoff spot
 x–  indicates team has clinched a playoff spot
 e–  indicates team has been eliminated from playoff contention

Divisional standings

Pacific Division GP W L OTL SOL Pts GF GA
y–Calgary Wranglers (CGY) 72 51 17 3 1 106 256 174
x–Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA) 72 48 17 5 2 103 257 194
x–Colorado Eagles (COL) 72 40 22 7 3 90 210 187
x–Abbotsford Canucks (VAN) 72 40 25 3 4 87 229 203
x–Bakersfield Condors (EDM) 72 37 31 2 2 78 212 212
x–Ontario Reign (LAK) 72 34 32 5 1 74 206 211
x–Tucson Roadrunners (ARI) 72 30 33 8 1 69 219 245
e–San Jose Barracuda (SJS) 72 31 34 2 5 69 205 249
e–Henderson Silver Knights (VGK) 72 29 38 0 5 63 201 221
e–San Diego Gulls (ANA) 72 20 49 2 1 43 180 281

Conference standings

Eastern Conference Div GP W L OTL SOL Pts GF GA
y–Calgary Wranglers (CGY) PA 72 51 17 3 1 106 256 174
x–Coachella Valley Firebirds (SEA) PA 72 48 17 5 2 103 257 194
y–Texas Stars (DAL) CE 72 40 20 9 3 92 265 210
x–Colorado Eagles (COL) PA 72 40 22 7 3 90 210 187
x–Milwaukee Admirals (NSH) CE 72 41 24 5 2 89 238 211
x–Abbotsford Canucks (VAN) PA 72 40 25 3 4 87 229 203
x–Manitoba Moose (WPG) CE 72 37 25 6 4 84 227 226
x–Iowa Wild (MIN) CE 72 34 27 6 5 79 211 211
x–Rockford IceHogs (CHI) CE 72 35 28 5 4 79 214 232
x–Bakersfield Condors (EDM) PA 72 37 31 2 2 78 212 212
e–Chicago Wolves (CAR) CE 72 35 29 5 3 78 227 245
x–Ontario Reign (LAK) PA 72 34 32 5 1 74 206 211
x–Tucson Roadrunners (ARI) PA 72 30 33 8 1 69 219 245
e–San Jose Barracuda (SJS) PA 72 31 34 2 5 69 205 249
e–Grand Rapids Griffins (DET) CE 72 28 36 4 4 64 194 255
e–Henderson Silver Knights (VGK) PA 72 29 38 0 5 63 201 221
e–San Diego Gulls (ANA) PA 72 20 49 2 1 43 180 281

Divisions: PA – Pacific, CE – Central

Schedule and results

Regular season

The regular season schedule was released on July 21, 2022.[45]

2022–23 Game Log – Regular season
October: 4–2–0–0 (Home: 2–2–0–0 ; Road: 2–0–0–0)
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Report
1 October 16 Coachella Valley 6–5 Calgary Daccord 5,663 1–0–0–0 2 Report
2 October 17 Coachella Valley 3–1 Calgary Daccord 2,922 2–0–0–0 4 Report
3 October 21[A] Abbotsford 4–3 Coachella Valley Daccord 700 2–1–0–0 4 Report
4 October 23[B] Abbotsford 4–7 Coachella Valley Gibson 8,724 3–1–0–0 6 Report
5 October 28[C] Calgary 6–4 Coachella Valley Gibson 3,287 3–2–0–0 6 Report
6 October 29[A] Calgary 3–5 Coachella Valley Booth 2,434 4–2–0–0 8 Report
November: 5–2–2–0 (Home: 0–0–0–0 ; Road: 5–2–2–0)
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Report
7 November 4 Coachella Valley 2–3 Abbotsford Gibson 4,012 4–3–0–0 8 Report
8 November 5 Coachella Valley 3–1 Abbotsford Starrett 3,992 5–3–0–0 10 Report
9 November 11 Coachella Valley 4–1 Tucson Gibson 3,471 6–3–0–0 12 Report
10 November 12 Coachella Valley 4–3 Tucson OT Daccord 4,388 7–3–0–0 14 Report
11 November 18 Coachella Valley 1–2 Colorado OT Daccord 5,089 7–3–1–0 15 Report
12 November 19 Coachella Valley 2–3 Colorado OT Gibson 5,089 7–3–2–0 16 Report
13 November 22 Coachella Valley 3–5 Calgary Daccord 2,698 7–4–2–0 16 Report
14 November 24 Coachella Valley 4–3 Calgary Daccord 2,556 8–4–2–0 18 Report
15 November 26 Coachella Valley 4–1 San Diego Daccord 5,695 9–4–2–0 20 Report
December: 10–2–1–1 (Home: 3–1–0–0 ; Road: 7–1–1–1)
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Report
16 December 2 Coachella Valley 1–0 Henderson Daccord 4,326 10–4–2–0 22 Report
17 December 3 Coachella Valley 3–2 Henderson SO Gibson 5,117 11–4–2–0 24 Report
18 December 9 Coachella Valley 8–3 San Jose Daccord 1,488 12–4–2–0 26 Report
19 December 10 Coachella Valley 4–5 Bakersfield OT Gibson 4,685 12–4–3–0 27 Report
20 December 13 Coachella Valley 2–7 Tucson Daccord 2,217 12–5–3–0 27 Report
21 December 14 Coachella Valley 4–3 Tucson Gibson 2,069 13–5–3–0 29 Report
22 December 16 Coachella Valley 8–1 San Diego Daccord 5,327 14–5–3–0 31 Report
23 December 18 Tucson 3–4 Coachella Valley Daccord 10,087 15–5–3–0 33 Report
24 December 20 Tucson 3–2 Coachella Valley Daccord 6,487 15–6–3–0 33 Report
25 December 22 Coachella Valley 3–2 Henderson SO Gibson 4,598 16–6–3–0 35 Report
26 December 23 Henderson 0–1 Coachella Valley Daccord 8,641 17–6–3–0 37 Report
27 December 28 Ontario 6–7 Coachella Valley Daccord 10,087 18–6–3–0 39 Report
28 December 30 Coachella Valley 4–0 San Jose Gibson 2,117 19–6–3–0 41 Report
29 December 31 Coachella Valley 4–1 San Jose Daccord 1,839 20–6–3–0 43 Report
January: 8–1–0–1 (Home: 6–0–0–1 ; Road: 2–1–0–0)
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Report
30 January 4 Colorado 2–4 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,044 21–6–3–0 45 Report
31 January 7 San Jose 0–4 Coachella Valley Daccord 8,124 22–6–3–0 47 Report
32 January 8 Ontario 3–2 Coachella Valley SO Gibson 7,576 22–6–3–2 48 Report
33 January 10 San Jose 2–3 Coachella Valley SO Daccord 6,392 23–6–3–1 50 Report
34 January 13 Bakersfield 4–5 Coachella Valley OT Gibson 8,346 24–6–3–1 52 Report
35 January 16 Tucson 2–5 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,022 25–6–3–1 54 Report
36 January 21 Coachella Valley 5–4 Ontario OT Daccord 9,619 26–6–3–1 56 Report
37 January 22 San Diego 2–4 Coachella Valley Gibson 9,473 27–6–3–1 58 Report
38 January 26 Coachella Valley 3–2 Iowa OT Daccord 3,015 28–6–3–1 60 Report
39 January 28 Coachella Valley 2–5 Iowa Daccord 7,003 28–7–3–1 60 Report
February: 6–2–1–1 (Home: 4–1–0–1 ; Road: 2–1–1–0)
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Report
40 February 3 San Diego 1–2 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,882 29–7–3–1 62 Report
41 February 4 San Diego 0–4 Coachella Valley Gibson 9,339 30–7–3–1 64 Report
42 February 10 Coachella Valley 1–2 San Diego OT Daccord 7,817 30–7–4–1 65 Report
43 February 15 Tucson 1–3 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,332 31–7–4–1 67 Report
44 February 17 Coachella Valley 2–4 Ontario Gibson 8,313 31–8–4–1 67 Report
45 February 18 Bakersfield 3–2 Coachella Valley Daccord 9,088 31–9–4–1 67 Report
46 February 20 Ontario 3–2 Coachella Valley SO Daccord 7,508 31–9–4–2 68 Report
47 February 22 Coachella Valley 6–1 Ontario Daccord 5,309 32–9–4–2 70 Report
48 February 24 Coachella Valley 5–2 San Diego Gibson 6,942 33–9–4–2 72 Report
49 February 27 San Jose 3–4 Coachella Valley OT Driedger 6,349 34–9–4–2 74 Report
March: 10–5–0–0 (Home: 7–2–0–0 ; Road: 3–3–0–0)
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Report
50 March 1 Calgary 3–1 Coachella Valley Driedger 7,711 34–10–4–2 74 Report
51 March 3 Coachella Valley 5–1 Bakersfield Daccord 5,076 35–10–4–2 76 Report
52 March 4 Coachella Valley 5–4 San Jose Driedger 2,867 36–10–4–2 78 Report
53 March 8 Henderson 3–6 Coachella Valley Daccord 6,667 37–10–4–2 80 Report
54 March 11 Texas 4–2 Coachella Valley Driedger 8,098 37–11–4–2 80 Report
55 March 12 Texas 3–6 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,911 38–11–4–2 82 Report
56 March 15 Iowa 1–4 Coachella Valley Driedger 7,211 39–11–4–2 84 Report
57 March 17 Iowa 1–3 Coahcella Valley Daccord 7,325 40-11-4-2 86 Report
58 March 19 San Diego 4–8 Coachella Valley Driedger 7,793 41–11–4–2 88 Report
59 March 21 Coachella Valley 1–3 Texas Gibson 4,068 41–12–4–2 88 Report
60 March 22 Coachella Valley 1–6 Texas Driedger 4,118 41–13–4–2 88 Report
61 March 24 Coachella Valley 4–7 Henderson Gibson 5,133 41–14–4–2 88 Report
62 March 25 Henderson 3–7 Coachella Valley Driedger 8,352 42–14–4–2 90 Report
63 March 29 Bakersfield 1–5 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,747 43–14–4–2 92 Report
64 March 31 Coachella Valley 4–0 Ontario Driedger 7,948 44–14–4–2 94 Report
April: 4–3–1–0 (Home: 4–1–1–0 ; Road: 0–2–0–0)
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Record Pts Gamesheet
65 April 1 Colorado 2–3 Coachella Valley OT Daccord 8,409 45–14–4–2 96 Report
66 April 3 San Jose 3–4 Coachella Valley SO Driedger 6,791 46–14–4–2 98 Report
67 April 5 Calgary 3–1 Coachella Valley Daccord 8,206 46–15–4–2 98 Report
68 April 8 Bakersfield 1–2 Coachella Valley Driedger 8,356 47–15–4–2 100 Report
69 April 9 Henderson 3–2 Coachella Valley OT Gibson 7,361 47–15–5–2 101 Report
70 April 12 Ontario 2–3 Coachella Valley Driedger 9,332 48–15–5–2 103 Report
71 April 14 Coachella Valley 0–3 Bakersfield Driedger 5,821 48–16–5–2 103 Report
72 April 15 Coachella Valley 2–4 Bakersfield Daccord 6,671 48–17–5–2 103 Report

Legend:   Win (2 points)   Loss (0 points)   Overtime/shootout loss (1-point)

Notes:
A Indicates game played at Kraken Community Iceplex. B Indicates game played at Climate Pledge Arena. C Indicates game played at Angel of the Winds Arena.

Playoffs

2023 Game Log – Playoffs
Pacific Division First Round: vs. (13) Tucson Roadrunners – Firebirds win series 2–1
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Report
1 April 19 Tucson 1–5 Coachella Valley Daccord 5,486 1–0 Report
2 April 21 Tucson 4–3 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,168 1–1 Report
3 April 23 Tucson 1–5 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,008 2–1 Report
Pacific Division Semifinal: vs. (4) Colorado Eagles – Firebirds win series 3–2
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Report
1 April 26 Coachella Valley 6–2 Colorado Daccord 5,089 1–0 Report
2 April 27 Coahcella Valley 2–3 Colorado Daccord 5,089 1–1 Report
3 April 30 Colorado 1–0 Coachella Valley OT Daccord 7,639 1–2 Report
4 May 3 Colorado 3–4 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,343 2–2 Report
5 May 5 Colorado 0–5 Coachella Valley Daccord 9,062 3–2 Report
Pacific Division Final: vs. (1) Calgary Wranglers – Firebirds win series 3–2
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Report
1 May 11 Coachella Valley 6–3 Calgary Daccord 4,738 1–0 Report
2 May 12 Coahcella Valley 2–3 Calgary Daccord 6,598 1–1 Report
3 May 15 Calgary 2–3 Coachella Valley 3OT Daccord 8,198 2–1 Report
4 May 17 Calgary 1–0 Coachella Valley Daccord 7,758 2–2 Report
5 May 5 Calgary 5–6 Coachella Valley OT Daccord 8,972 3–2 Report
Western Conference Final: vs. (5) Milwaukee Admirals – Firebirds win series 4–2
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Report
1 May 25 Milwaukee 4–6 Coachella Valley Daccord 8,198 1–0 Report
2 May 27 Milwaukee 3–5 Coachella Valley Daccord 10,087 2–0 Report
3 May 29 Coachella Valley 1–3 Milwaukee Daccord 4,589 2–1 Report
4 June 1 Coachella Valley 2–5 Milwaukee Daccord 4,456 2–2 Report
5 June 3 Coachella Valley 2–1 Milwaukee Daccord 5,561 3–2 Report
6 June 5 Milwaukee 3–4 Coachella Valley Daccord 10,087 3–2 Report
Calder Cup Final: vs. (2) Hershey Bears – Bears win series 4–3
# Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Report
1 June 8 Hershey 0–5 Coachella Valley Daccord 10,087 1–0 Report
2 June 10 Hershey 0–4 Coachella Valley Daccord 10,087 2–0 Report
3 June 13 Coachella Valley 4–5 Hershey OT Daccord 10,580 2–1 Report
4 June 5 Coachella Valley 2–3 Hershey Daccord 10,687 2–2 Report
5 June 17 Coachella Valley 0–1 Hershey OT Daccord 5,561 2–3 Report
6 June 19 Hershey 2–5 Coachella Valley Daccord 10,087 3–3 Report
7 June 21 Hershey 3–2 Coachella Valley OT Daccord 10,087 3–4 Report

Legend:   Win   Loss

Player statistics

Updated as of April 28, 2024[46]

Skaters

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes

Regular season
Player GP G A Pts +/− PIM
Max McCormick 71 28 39 67 +15 76
Kole Lind 72 30 32 62 +11 91
Tye Kartye 72 28 29 57 +17 74
Cameron Hughes 61 19 37 56 +19 57
Brogan Rafferty 72 9 42 51 +28 42
Jesper Froden 44 25 22 47 +22 24
Ryker Evans 71 6 38 44 +19 74
Andrew Poturalski 38 11 31 42 +14 14
John Hayden 47 17 16 33 +10 58
Alexander True 72 11 21 32 +13 48
Jimmy Schuldt 71 8 24 31 +22 31
Ville Petman 72 12 16 28 +10 21
Austin Poganski 70 8 20 28 +14 30
Carsen Twarynski 71 17 9 26 +13 69
Matt Tennyson 71 0 18 18 +20 66
Luke Henman 67 7 8 15 +2 41
Jeremy McKenna 27 5 7 12 –3 6
Peetro Seppala 70 1 11 12 +13 51
Eddie Wittchow 56 4 5 9 +9 93
Shane Wright 8 4 2 6 +2 2
Gustav Olofsson 20 1 5 6 +9 8
Ian McKinnon 36 1 2 3 –3 102
David Goyette 2 0 0 0 –1 0
David Cotton† 2 0 0 0 –2 0
Ville Ottavainen 2 0 0 0 0 0
Jake McLaughlin 2 0 0 0 +2 0
Luke Stevens 2 0 0 0 –1 2
Nick Pastujov 6 0 0 0 0 0
Tristan Mullin 15 0 0 0 –3 6
Playoffs
Player GP G A Pts PIM
Kole Lind 26 9 22 31 16
Max McCormick 26 14 13 27 16
Ryker Evans 26 5 21 26 26
Cameron Hughes 26 4 19 23 6
Jeremy McKenna 18 6 6 12 8
Andrew Poturalski 16 3 9 12 6
Ville Petman 26 5 6 11 8
Brogan Rafferty 26 2 9 11 4
Jesper Froden 15 5 5 10 8
Shane Wright 24 2 7 9 2
Jimmy Schuldt 26 5 4 9 10
Carsen Twarynski 26 5 3 8 14
Tye Kartye 18 6 2 8 8
Gustav Olofsson 26 3 2 5 10
Luke Henman 13 2 3 5 2
Austin Poganski 24 2 2 4 10
Eddie Wittchow 26 3 0 3 14
Matt Tennyson 26 0 3 3 28
David Goyette 7 0 2 2 2
John Hayden 10 1 1 2 16
Nick Pastujov 6 0 0 0 2
Jacob Melanson 1 0 0 0 0
Jagger Firkus 1 0 0 0 0
Ian McKinnon 3 0 0 0 0

Goaltenders

Note: GP = Games played; TOI = Time on ice; W = Wins; L = Losses; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals against average; SV = Saves; SA = Shots against; SV% = Save percentage; SO = Shutouts; G = Goals; A = Assists; PIM = Penalty minutes

Regular season
Player GP GS TOI W L OT S/O GA GAA SA SV% SO G A PIM
Joey Daccord 38 37 2,269 26 8 2 1 90 2.38 1,010 .918 3 0 3 0
Christopher Gibson 20 19 1,105 10 5 3 1 55 2.99 465 .894 2 0 0 0
Chris Driedger 14 13 805 9 4 0 0 35 2.61 344 .908 1 0 0 0
Callum Booth 2 2 98 2 0 0 0 3 1.84 57 .950 0 0 0 0
Shane Starrett 1 1 60 1 0 0 0 1 1.00 19 .950 0 0 0 0
Playoffs
Player GP GS TOI W L GA GAA SA SV% SO G A PIM
Joey Daccord 26 26 2,269 15 11 61 2.22 762 .926 3 0 3 2

† Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Firebirds only.

Transactions

The Firebirds have been involved in the following transactions during the 2022–23 season.

Trades

Date Details Ref
December 8, 2022 (2022-12-08) To San Diego Gulls
David Cotton 		To Coachella Valley Firebirds
Future considerations 		[47]

Signings

Date Player Ref
July 11, 2022 (2022-07-11) Samuel Bucek [48]
Ian McKinnon
September 1, 2022 (2022-09-01) Matt Tennyson [49]
September 22, 2022 (2022-09-22) David Cotton [50]
Jimmy Schuldt
Eddie Wittchow
September 27, 2022 (2022-09-27) Jeremy McKenna [51]
Tristan Mullin
Jake McLaughlin
Callum Booth
September 29, 2022 (2022-09-29) Luke Stevens [52]
Nick Pastujov
Pascal Laberge
Hugo Roy

References

  1. ^ Rotolo, Gina (March 16, 2023). "Clinched: Firebirds Earn Spot in Calder Cup Playoffs". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  2. ^ Reyes, Jesus; Arthur, Blake (June 21, 2023). "Firebirds come up short of Calder Cup championship, fall to Hershey Bears in overtime of Game 7". KESQ. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  3. ^ "NHL Seattle chooses Palm Springs as site for new AHL farm team | The Spokesman-Review". www.spokesman.com. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  4. ^ Clinton, Jared (September 30, 2019). "Seattle gets its AHL affiliate as Palm Springs announced as league's 32nd team". The Hockey News. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  5. ^ "Checkers Add Seattle Kraken as NHL Affiliate". charlottecheckers.com. June 28, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Hawkley, C. C. (July 27, 2022). "2022 Coachella Valley Firebirds Offseason Player Tracker". Full Press Hockey. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  7. ^ "Coachella Valley Firebirds Hire Dan Bylsma as Head Coach". NBC Palm Springs. June 21, 2022. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  8. ^ Arredondo, Bailey (October 16, 2022). "Firebirds win first ever game over Calgary, assign team captains and roster spots". KESQ. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  9. ^ Rotolo, Gina (October 18, 2022). "Firebirds Earn Second Consecutive Win Over Wranglers". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  10. ^ Rotolo, Gina (August 15, 2022). "Firebirds Announce Details for Seattle-Arena Game This October". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  11. ^ Rotolo, Gina (October 31, 2022). "Firebirds Respond With 5-3 Win Over Wranglers". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  12. ^ Rotolo, Gina (November 1, 2022). "Jesper Froden Named AHL Player of the Month". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  13. ^ Powers, Shad. "Coachella Valley Firebirds schedule: First-ever game is Oct. 16". The Desert Sun. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
  14. ^ Rotolo, Gina (November 6, 2022). "Coachella Valley Firebirds Over Canucks". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  15. ^ Rotolo, Gina (November 12, 2022). "Coachella Valley Downs Tucson in Desert Battle". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  16. ^ Rotolo, Gina (November 13, 2022). "Poturalski's Overtime Winner Seals Weekend Sweep of Tucson". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  17. ^ Eagles, Colorado. "Annunen Leads Eagles to 2-1 Overtime Win over Firebirds | Colorado Eagles". www.coloradoeagles.com. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  18. ^ Eagles, Colorado. "Eagles Win Fourth Straight with 3-2 OT Win over Coachella Valley | Colorado Eagles". www.coloradoeagles.com. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  19. ^ Wilson, Bryan (November 22, 2022). "Wranglers Win Third-Straight". Calgary Wranglers. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  20. ^ Rotolo, Gina (November 25, 2022). "Hughes' Late Goal Completes Thanksgiving Comeback for Firebirds". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  21. ^ Rotolo, Gina (November 27, 2022). "Firebirds Fly Over Gulls". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  22. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 3, 2022). "Daccord Shutouts Silver Knights in 1-0 Firebirds Win". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  23. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 4, 2022). "Firebirds Edge Silver Knights in Shootout Win, 3-2". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  24. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 10, 2022). "Lind's Hat Trick Leads Firebirds to Franchise Record in 8-3 Win". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
  25. ^ "Game Recap: Condors 5, Firebirds 4 (OT) – BakersfieldCondors.com". Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  26. ^ Peebles, Jimmy (December 14, 2022). "Game Recap: Coachella Valley (2) at Tucson (7)". TucsonRoadrunners.com. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  27. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 15, 2022). "Third Period Comeback Catapults Firebirds Over Roadrunners". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  28. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 17, 2022). "Firebirds Finish Road Trip with Lopsided Win Over Gulls". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  29. ^ Reyes, Jesus; Arthur, Blake (December 19, 2022). "Historic home opener: Coachella Valley Firebirds win first game at sold out Acrisure Arena". KESQ. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  30. ^ Peebles, Jimmy (December 21, 2022). "Game Recap: Tucson (3) at Coachella Valley (2)". TucsonRoadrunners.com. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  31. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 23, 2022). "McCormick Caps Off 500th Pro Game with Shootout Winner". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  32. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 24, 2022). "Henman Sends Teddy Bears Flying as Daccord Shuts Out Silver Knights". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  33. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 29, 2022). "Three-Goal Third Period Completes Firebirds Comeback Win". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  34. ^ Rotolo, Gina (December 31, 2022). "Gibson Shuts Door on Barracuda in 4-0 Firebirds Win". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  35. ^ Rotolo, Gina (January 8, 2023). "Daccord's Third Shutout of Season Extends Firebirds Winning Streak to Seven". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  36. ^ "Reign Postgame Report: ONT 3, CV 2 (SO)". Ontario Reign. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  37. ^ Rotolo, Gina (January 11, 2023). "Lind's Shootout Goal Extends Firebirds Point Streak to Nine". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  38. ^ "Rosters announced for 2023 AHL All-Star Classic". theahl.com. January 11, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  39. ^ Rotolo, Gina (January 14, 2023). "McCormick's Overtime Winner Puts Firebirds Over Condors". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  40. ^ Rotolo, Gina (January 17, 2023). "Forden's Multi-Goal Game Helps Firebirds Extend Point Streak to 11". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  41. ^ Rotolo, Gina (January 22, 2023). "McCormick's Overtime Goal Propels Firebirds Over Reign". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  42. ^ Rotolo, Gina (January 23, 2023). "Three-Goal Third Period Helps Firebirds Continue Their Streak". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  43. ^ Rotolo, Gina (January 27, 2023). "Kartye's Overtime Winner Extends Firebirds' Win Streak to Six". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  44. ^ John, Andrew. "Win streak comes to an end as depleted Firebirds fall 5-2 on the road to Iowa Wild". The Desert Sun. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  45. ^ Rotolo, Gina (July 21, 2022). "Coachella Valley Firebirds Unveil Inaugural Season Schedule". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  46. ^ "Coachella Valley Firebirds 2022-23 roster and scoring statistics at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
  47. ^ "San Diego Gulls Acquire David Cotton From Coachella Valley". San Diego Gulls. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  48. ^ Rotolo, Gina (July 11, 2022). "Coachella Valley Firebirds Sign First Two Players". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  49. ^ Rotolo, Gina (September 1, 2022). "Matt Tennyson Signed!". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  50. ^ Rotolo, Gina (September 22, 2022). "Firebirds Sign Three Players to AHL Contracts". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  51. ^ Rotolo, Gina (September 27, 2022). "Jeremy McKenna, Jake McLaughlin, Tristan Mullin, and Callum Booth Join Firebirds". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  52. ^ Rotolo, Gina (September 29, 2022). "Firebirds add four more to the roster!". Coachella Valley Firebirds. Retrieved March 22, 2024.

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