Accolades for Coachella Valley Firebirds: team honored with AHL President’s Award
The Coachella Valley Firebirds were not Calder Cup champions this year but they continue to earn recognition for their incredible inaugural season. The latest honor: the team is named 2022-23 recipient of the American Hockey League President's Award for Team of the Year.
President's Awards are given to an American Hockey League team and/or player for overall excellence in the past year.
"The Firebirds had a remarkable inaugural season," representatives of the AHL report. "One that began with a two-month road trip while awaiting completion of their first-class home venue, Acrisure Arena. The team went on to finish with the second-best record in the league before reaching the Calder Cup Finals; off the ice, they set benchmarks in all areas of their business operations, including ticket sales, corporate revenue and fan experience, and established a league record for total attendance in a single postseason."
“The Coachella Valley Firebirds are truly humbled and honored to be chosen as team of the year by the AHL. The President’s Award is a tremendous tribute to the players, coaches, team management staff, and business operation staff who all worked tirelessly from the team’s inception through Game 7 of the Calder Cup Finals. The support we received this year from our season ticket holders, sponsors, premium seat holders and all fans in general was incredible and made for a special season. The energy and intensity throughout the entire Coachella Valley helped drive and propel all aspects of our success on and off the ice. Season two cannot get here soon enough and we look forward to seeing everyone back at Acrisure Arena for our home opener on October 13th.”
John Page, SVP, Coachella Valley Firebirds
The American Hockey League hosted its 2023 Awards Gala at Hilton Head Island, S.C., last Thursday, and presented several awards to commend excellence and service. The event took place during the Board of Governors' Annual Meeting.
Also honored with the President's Award is Dustin Wolf of the Calgary Wranglers for player excellence.
Bryan Helmer, Vice President of Hockey Operations for the Hershey Bears, was the recipient of the James C. Hendy Memorial Award for outstanding management in the American Hockey League this year. The Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup championship, defeating the Firebirds, earlier this year.
