Firebirds start training camp in Seattle with NHL affiliate Kraken

SEATTLE, WA (KESQ) -- The Coachella Valley Firebirds are officially back to work as they prepare for the upcoming American Hockey League season.

The Firebirds are currently in Seattle with their parent club, the Seattle Kraken, who opened training camp Thursday.

Coachella Valley players will spend two days in Seattle before returning to the ice for two exhibition games this weekend. The Firebirds will then head back to the desert, where they will open their own training camp Tuesday, Sept. 22.

With the regular season approaching, Firebirds head coach Derek Laxdal said the next several days will be an important opportunity for players looking to make an impression.

"This is a chance for our guys to get their feet wet, make an impression, and try to earn a spot, not only right out of training camp with the Seattle Kraken, but to put their name on the radar for any call-ups going forward," Laxdal said in an interview from Seattle.

Laxdal said the opportunity is especially important for players hoping to establish themselves within the Kraken organization.

"This is an important time of year for these players," Laxdal said. "This is why they're here. This is why they play the game."

After the first day of training camp, Laxdal said he was encouraged by what he saw from the group headed to Coachella Valley.

"From what I've seen after the first day of training camp, I'm very excited for our group in CV," Laxdal said.

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