Firebirds Gearing Up for Season, Max McCormick Out for Season

Welcome back, hockey fans! Today marked the first time this season that media got a chance to return to the rink and catch an early look at the Coachella Valley Firebirds — a sure sign that we’re one step closer to the puck drop on the 2025-26 AHL season. This year also marks the fourth official season for the Firebirds franchise.

During today’s practice, members of the press were invited to observe the team up close as the roster begins to take shape. What’s clear from the outset: this will be the youngest team in the AHL this year. But that’s exactly what excites Head Coach Derek Laxdal.

“It’s great to see all these young prospects coming through,” said Laxdal. “We’re expecting to have somewhere between 14 and 15 first-, second-, or third-year players. Yeah, there will be growing pains, but you’re also seeing the future of the Seattle Kraken right here.”

Defenseman Ty Nelson also emphasized how second-year players, in particular, seem more confident and relaxed compared to their rookie seasons, which is already showing in their performance on the ice.

However, the team will start the season without a key veteran presence. The Firebirds announced this morning that captain Max McCormick will miss the entire 2025-26 season following hip surgery. McCormick played only 17 games last year due to a lower-body injury.

The Firebirds’ first home game is set for Friday, October 10th. With a promising young core and big shoes to fill in McCormick’s absence, it’s shaping up to be an exciting — and unpredictable — season in the desert.