Sports
Firebirds celebrate fifth season with fans at Berger Foundation Iceplex
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are getting ready to drop the puck on their fifth season, celebrating the milestone Thursday night with the fans who helped make hockey a growing part of the Coachella Valley community.
The Firebirds hosted their Season 5 launch party at the Berger Foundation Iceplex, giving fans a chance to skate, play games and get ready for another season.
Firebirds players also joined the celebration, skating with fans and signing autographs.
The team is currently in the middle of training camp, with a new group of players preparing to build on what the Firebirds have established during their first four seasons in the desert.
For longtime fans, the start of Season 5 is another sign of how much interest in hockey has grown locally.
“I think it’s brought a lot of great excitement, and people can understand a new game,” one fan said. “Hockey, it’s not really popular out here, but it’s definitely become popular now.”
Other fans said they are optimistic about the upcoming season and excited to see what the new roster can accomplish.
“I think we’re going to have a good season,” one fan said. “I think we got a brand new group of guys, and they’re going to buy into the plan.”
The Firebirds will host the Ontario Reign on Sunday for their only preseason game.
The regular-season opener is set for Oct. 2, also at home against the Ontario Reign.
Fans can watch Firebirds home games on KPSC, MyFirebirdsTV.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 22, 2026
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