Sports
The Coachella Valley Firebirds Get A New Center Ice Logo
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are getting ready to hit the ice for their fifth season, and the team is making moves both on and off the ice.
The Firebirds have signed forward Ryan Lautenbach to a one-year American Hockey League contract. Lautenbach spent the 2025-26 season with the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers, where he recorded 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points in 45 regular-season games.
The forward also made his professional AHL debut with the San Diego Gulls at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Now, Lautenbach will join a Firebirds team looking to make another deep postseason run in its fifth year.
The franchise is also celebrating the milestone with a new fifth-season logo. While the iconic Firebird remains at the center of the design, there are several details that make this year's logo unique.
The years 2022 and 2027 are featured in the logo, marking the beginning of the franchise and its upcoming fifth season. The letters "CVF" still stand for Coachella Valley Firebirds, but the V is larger, representing the Roman numeral for five.
The Firebirds' fifth season is another milestone for an organization that has quickly established itself as one of the AHL's top destinations.
The team's longtime voice, Evan Pivnik, reflected on the growth of the organization and what fans can expect this season.
Pivnik said the Firebirds have developed into a successful organization both on and off the ice, becoming a destination where players want to play, live and eventually make the Coachella Valley their home.
On the ice, expectations remain high. Pivnick expects the Firebirds to have a similar look to last year's team, with returning players bringing another year of experience to the lineup.
With preseason approaching, the wait for the new season is nearly over. The Firebirds' opening night is scheduled for Friday, October 2.
And while hockey season is right around the corner, there's plenty more happening across the Coachella Valley sports scene.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2027 BNP Paribas Open, with single-session tickets, daily doubles tickets and full-tournament series packages available to the public. Travel packages are also available, including options that combine multiple tournament sessions with hotel stays.
The tournament returns to Indian Wells Tennis Garden from February 28 through March 14, 2027.
Between the Firebirds' fifth season, the WTA Finals, the arrival of the Coachella Valley Lakers and the return of the BNP Paribas Open, the Coachella Valley is once again preparing for a busy stretch of sports.
For local sports fans, there is plenty to look forward to as another exciting season gets underway.
By: Brett Rosen
September 9, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Aiden Pope with the punt return TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dime on the run, 3) Colton LaCrone with the sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the contested snag, or 5) Anthony Aguirre with the sack #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
The midterms inch closer and the prices get higher
The hiring of interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is drawing criticism online over allegations of previous homophobic remarks and harassment. Vanderpool is pushing back, saying the complaint at the center of the controversy was misinterpreted. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for the full report #palmsprings #lgbtqcommunity #coachellavalley #localnews #760
🦷🇺🇸 George Washington’s teeth had a story of their own… and trust us, it’s WILD. 😂👀 Forget the cherry tree—this is the history lesson nobody saw coming! 🍒🤯 Would YOU want to know the truth? 👇😂 🎭 Catch the laughs with Mann on the Aisle! #MannOnTheAisle #GeorgeWashington #WeirdHistory #HistoryFacts #comedytheatre
As Palm Springs Pride organizers prepare for the annual celebration, one local organization is questioning the reasons why they won’t be allowed to participate. Our @newsbyalondra has the full story in the 5,6 and 11 p.m newscast.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding three city council candidate forums ahead of the November Election. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com to hear from the President of the Chamber of Commerce who breaks down what residents should know about what they can expect from these forums. #coachellavalley #elections2026 #localnews #citycouncil #candidateforum
Small mistake or a matter of transparency? What’s your take? Drop a comment below 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #desertrecreationdistrict #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
Engineering students craft a robot that takes down a 4x4 Rubik's Cube in less than 10-seconds.
Watch a gargantuan, 5.7-mile-long train nab a world record as it disappears over the horizon!
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you do yoga?