Firebirds rookies still finding their footing in early part of the season
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) -- The Coachella Valley Firebirds are back on home ice Friday night for their third game of the season, welcoming the San Diego Gulls for the first meeting between the two teams this year.
Coachella Valley enters the matchup with three points after earning a win and an overtime loss against its Pacific Division rival, the Ontario Reign. San Diego also has three points on the season, setting up an early-season test for both clubs.
After six days without a game, the Firebirds are eager to get back on the ice, particularly some of the team's rookies who are adjusting to the speed and physicality of professional hockey.
Julius Miettinen, a 20-year-old rookie, said he is still settling into life in the Coachella Valley while learning what it takes to compete at the American Hockey League level.
"Settling in right now, like getting a house, getting a car," Miettinen said. "I think the first two games were what I expected. It's fast, it's physical. Everyone's good here. There's no little mistakes that cost the game to you. You just got to be dialed every shift."
Fellow rookie Ryden Evers, 21, is also working to find his role with the Firebirds as he adjusts to the pace of the league.
"Obviously an adjustment, it's quicker, it's a fast, it's a good league obviously and being younger, kind of finding my role and kind of finding my niche and how I can help this team and kind of still navigating and getting comfortable and building up the confidence," Evers said.
Evers said the opening weekend was a positive experience as he continues to gain confidence and become more comfortable at the professional level.
With the season still in its early stages, the Firebirds will look to build on their opening results as they begin their first matchup of the year against San Diego.
Following Friday's game, the Firebirds host the rival Reign on Sunday at 3pm. It will be the third meeting against Ontario through the first four games of the regular season.
Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of Firebirds hockey.
