Firebirds’ Nyman leads league in goals, earns AHL Player of the Week honors
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) -- The Coachella Valley Firebirds are just two games into the 2026-27 season, but several players have already made an early impact.
The Firebirds split their opening two games against the rival Ontario Reign, with the road team winning each matchup.
Three Coachella Valley players have six points through the first two games, led by forward Jani Nyman, who was named the American Hockey League's Player of the Week.
Hello, Nyman.
@Firebirds | @SeattleKraken | @hockeytape
📝: https://t.co/pk9zZ3b2co https://t.co/e5MCD8OgA9
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) October 5, 2026
Nyman has five goals and one assist, highlighted by a hat trick in the Firebirds' road win over Ontario.
Beginning his third season in North America after being selected by Seattle in the second round of the 2022 NHL Draft, Nyman has totaled 56 goals and 29 assists for 85 points in 104 AHL games with the Firebirds since his debut in April 2024.
Nyman skated in 28 NHL games with the Kraken in 2025-26 and has registered seven goals and six assists in 40 career appearances with the parent club.
The 22-year-old native of Valkeakoski, Finland, was an AHL All-Star as a rookie in 2025.
Jagger Firkus also has six points with two goals and four assists, while defenseman Tyson Jugnauth has recorded six assists.
The early production comes from a Firebirds roster expected to have plenty of offensive talent after the team advanced deep into the Calder Cup Playoffs last season.
Nyman, a second-year player, said the Firebirds' familiarity with one another could help the team build on last season's success.
"Good run last year, and we have so many same players here and everybody is one year older right now, so I think that's going to be a good season," Nyman said.
Nyman, known for letting his play speak for itself, is already making his presence felt as the Firebirds begin their fifth season as a franchise.
Coachella Valley returns to Acrisure Arena on Friday, when the Firebirds host the San Diego Gulls at 7 p.m.
The game will be part of another busy Friday night of local sports, with high school football also taking center stage across the Coachella Valley.
Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of Firebirds hockey.
