Sports
Coachella Valley Firebirds launch fifth season with fan celebration
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are officially launching their fifth season, with fans gathering Thursday night at the Berger Foundation Iceplex for a celebration ahead of another year of professional hockey in the desert.
The Season 5 launch party features food, music, face painting and opportunities for fans to meet Firebirds players.
The Firebirds Fan Zone is also part of the celebration, with longtime supporters reflecting on how quickly the team has become part of the Coachella Valley community.
Fan Zone members David and Kyle said five seasons of hockey have created traditions that did not exist when the team first arrived.
One example is the strong reaction from fans to “Country Rose,” a song that has become closely associated with the Firebirds’ home games.
Fans are also becoming more familiar with the game itself, including when to rally behind the team during situations such as the penalty kill.
The team is entering its fifth season with several familiar players returning.
Among them are Ty Nelson and Jagger Firkus, who are entering their third years with the team, according to the Fan Zone.
Logan Morrison is also returning after scoring 29 goals last season, raising expectations for another strong offensive year.
The launch party includes tamales, a DJ, face painting and other activities, along with opportunities to meet players including Nathan Villeneuve, Ryder Evans and Alexis Blanchard.
The celebration comes as the Firebirds prepare to begin another season in the Coachella Valley, where hockey has developed a growing following since the team's arrival.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Tim O'Brien
September 24, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Meet Gavin, aka “Banana Boy”! The Coachella Valley Firebirds fan favorite stopped by Very Caliente to share how his love of Fortnite inspired his iconic Peely costume — and his signature dance to “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” on the jumbotron. And yes, we finally got to see the face behind the banana! #NBCPalmSprings #VeryCaliente #CVFirebirds #BananaBoy #CoachellaValley
The #NorteFire is spreading near San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Fire crews are working to contain the blaze as conditions develop. Stay tuned to NBC Palm Springs for updates. #NorteFire #SouthernCalifornia #Wildfire #SanJuanCapistrano SanClemente NBCPalmSprings
Strong winds are expected across Southern California today, with speeds reaching 25 to 35 mph. Officials warn of possible falling trees, downed power lines and hazardous driving conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Southern California Edison says emergency crews will be on standby for possible power outages. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911. #SouthernCalifornia #CoachellaValley #WindAdvisory #PowerOutage #SouthernCaliforniaEdison NBCPalmSprings
Sordid Lives is returning to Palm Canyon Theater October 30 through November 15! Playwright Del Shores joins NBC Palm Springs’ Tod Macofsky to talk about the beloved production and its long history in the Coachella Valley. Want to see the show? NBC Palm Springs is giving away two tickets! Enter on the promotions page at NBCPalmSprings.com. #SordidLives #DelShores #PalmCanyonTheater #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley DesertEntertainment NBCPalmSprings
🗣️ NO KINGS DEMONSTRATIONS ARE COMING BACK TO THE COACHELLA VALLEY! Thousands of demonstrations are planned nationwide Saturday, including FIVE right here in the Valley. Organizers say the goal is to help eligible voters prepare for the polls and know their rights. 📍 Events are planned in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio. Will you be hitting the streets this weekend? 👀 #NoKings #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Indio #CaliforniaNews
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. No Kings protests?
Now Open! The new Agua Caliente gas station on Highway 111 in Cathedral City is officially open. A new stop for drivers in the Coachella Valley. Have you checked it out yet? #CathedralCity #AguaCaliente #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprin
A fire broke out Thursday morning at the KESQ News Channel 3 station in Thousand Palms, disrupting its morning broadcast. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire has been extinguished, and restoration efforts are underway. Station leaders told NBC Palm Springs they planned to return to the air at noon. We’re glad everyone is safe. We’ll share updates as more information becomes available. #ThousandPalms #KESQ #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
🚨 FIRE AT KESQ WHILE ON AIR! A fire broke out inside the KESQ news station in Thousand Palms around 5 a.m. this morning, forcing the station off the air. 🔥 The fire started in an equipment room where cameras and batteries are stored. Thankfully, NO ONE WAS INJURED. The cause and extent of the damage remain unknown as the station works to get back on air. ❤️🩹 #KESQ #ThousandPalms #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Four or against daylight saving?