Sports
Firebirds Coach Derek Laxdal Talks Season 5 Ahead of Friday's Home Opener
Hockey in the desert is back for a fifth season. The Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, host their home opener this Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.
Ahead of puck drop, Head Coach Derek Laxdal sat down with NBC Palm Springs Sports Director Tim O'Brien during our morning show to talk about what's ahead.
Last season, the Firebirds were the youngest team in the league, though that didn't stop them from making a run to the Pacific Division Finals. Laxdal, now entering his third season behind the Firebirds bench, said this year's group is a year older and still packed with prospects. "We're not the youngest team in the league anymore. We're a decent team. We've got a lot of prospects," Laxdal said. "We're looking forward to a great season." He added that several players are close to earning a call up to Seattle, which he sees as a reflection of the program built here in the Coachella Valley.
Friday's opener also renews a growing rivalry. The Firebirds face the Ontario Reign, a team they knocked out of the playoffs last season. Laxdal said many fans still tell him they made the trip to Ontario for that Game 5, and with the two arenas only about an hour apart, he thinks the matchup "only grows the game of hockey."
Watch the full interview with Coach Laxdal above. Tickets for Friday's home opener are available on Ticketmaster.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 28, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
An 18-year-old’s life cut short and a search for answers continues. Authorities identified Angel Luna of Desert Hot Springs as the young man killed in a shooting Tuesday night on Calle Rojo in Coachella. No arrest have been made, and investigators are working to identify suspects.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry! Two weeks until Thanksgiving. What are your plans?
Where do you stand on how cities should handle public notification for neighborhood changes? #therogginreport #laquinta #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
We have all the coverage on today’s Veterans Day Parade in Palm Springs on nbcpalmsprings.com. #nbcpalmsprings #veteransday #fyp #veterans #usa
80 years later, their stories still matter. These remarkable World War II Veterans were featured in our Emmy-winning special report, “80 Years Later: The Coachella Valley’s WWII Legacy.” As a small thank you for sharing their stories, we surprised them with the Emmy. It was an honor to recognize these heroes, all over 100 years old, for their service and sacrifice. To them, and to all who have served, Happy Veteran’s Day.
Chef Richard Blais sets out to cook what he loves to eat. From fast food to working in Michelin star restaurants, he creates traditional dishes with his own unique twist. He’s taken that same approach with his new book: Sauce Life. The book combines his culinary journey with over 70 sauces that range from simple yet delicious to complex crowd pleasers. Signed Copies of Sauce Life are available now at @kestrelkitchenindianwells inside the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
So, Madonna in the Dance Tent… were you expecting that? And who else on this lineup has your attention? 👀 #Coachella2027 #Coachella #Indio #coachellavalley
Who has the BEST cell service in the Coachella Valley? 👀 Which carrier do YOU use, and how’s your service?👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings
Breakfast for just $1 while helping local families this holiday season! Starting Thursday, Spencer’s Restaurant in Palm Springs is offering ANY breakfast menu item for just $1, with proceeds benefiting DAP Health’s Winter Fest. The annual effort provides food, blankets and toys to families in need across the eastern Coachella Valley. Want to give a little more? The restaurant’s owner will match additional donations up to $10,000! The deal runs from 7:30–10 a.m. through November 22. Reservations are required through OpenTable. Would you take advantage of a $1 breakfast to support a great local cause? #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #DAPHealth #SpencersRestaurant #WinterFest #SupportLocal
☕️Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Are you a veteran?