Flying high: Firebirds’ forward Jagger Firkus having breakout season

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - The Coachella Valley Firebirds are one of the youngest teams in the American Hockey League, and the fourth-year franchise is led by one of their up-and-coming stars, Jagger Firkus.

"We've had some consistent lines," head coach Derek Laxdal said. "If you look at the Firkus, Morrison, and Avon line, it has been really good for us the last three or four games, so that's played into this stretch for us, and it's one thing we've been kind of earning for is finding some consistency."

Firkus is a scorer at will, tallying 20 points in 18 games played this year, and his ability to find the back of the net comes naturally for him. 

"Having the mentality of shooting the puck, and having the first look at the net, and obviously playing with good linemates that are also rolling right now," Firkus said.

While Firkus is having a breakout season, he gives credit to his teammates, Logan Morrison and JR Avon, a relationship that goes beyond the ice. 

"We're really good friends too, so we can lean on each other, and we can let each other know if we've seen another play that they thought they could make."

As it's only the second year for the 21-year-old, Firkus has been satisfied with his performance, but knows there is more work to be done to reach his potential.

"Every single day, you just try to take a step," Firkus said. "I think throughout the summer and even throughout last year, I think there are practices that you just keep getting better and better, and obviously you work towards the results and think the results are coming right now, but it's got to keep sticking with it and keep growing each day by day."

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the Coachella Valley Firebirds.