Firebirds sign forward Ryan Lautenbach to a one-year deal

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Forward Ryan Lautenbach is joining the Coachella Valley Firebirds on a one-year AHL deal, the team announced on Thursday.

Lautenbach, 26, spent the 2025-26 season with the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers, recording 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points in 45 regular season games. The Dearborn, MI native led Tulsa in points and assists during his first full professional season. 

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward made his professional debut with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, skating in three regular season games after signing an amateur tryout agreement (ATO). 

Prior to his professional career, Lautenbach played four seasons at the University of Massachusetts from 2021-25, totaling 69 points (23 goals, 46 assists) in 141 NCAA games. Lautenbach served as an alternate captain during his senior season and recorded 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 40 games. He posted collegiate career highs with 10 goals and 24 points during the 2023-24 season. 

Lautenbach helped UMass capture the 2022 Hockey East Championship during his freshman season and was part of three NCAA Tournament teams during his collegiate career. 

Before attending UMass, Lautenbach played for the Omaha Lancers of the United States Hockey League, totaling 79 points (21 goals, 58 assists) in 101 regular season games. Lautenbach served as captain of the Lancers during the 2020-21 season and recorded 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) that year.