Coachella Valley Firebirds introduce Derek Laxdal as new head coach
Derek Laxdal was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Wednesday.
Laxdal, 58, is the Firebirds' second-ever head coach.
"We're really looking forward to, obviously, building on the program that's in place here. The success that the organization has had over the last two years is incredible and part of our goal is to obviously take it to the next level," Laxdal said.
Derek Laxdal was formally introduced today at Acrisure Arena as the 2nd head coach in Firebirds history. This was his first time to the area and he's looking forward to calling Coachella Valley home. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) August 1, 2024
Below are some soundbites from the presser 🗣️⤵️ pic.twitter.com/jAWOFvLOyD
Laxdal comes to the Coachella Valley after a lifetime in the sport which included a playing career in the NHL followed by coaching stings across the NHL, AHL, ECHL, Western Hockey League, and Ontario Hockey League.
He spent the last two years as head coach of the Oshawa Generals in the OHL, guiding the team to a record of 40-19-9 and a berth in the league finals this past season. He is also the reigning coach of the year for the OHL.
Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates on the Firebirds.
