Firebirds feature: The journey of rookie defenseman Tyson Jugnauth

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) - Defenseman Tyson Jugnauth has been one of the many bright spots for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in their fourth season as a franchise.

"Tyson's your prototypical puck-moving offensive defenseman, and like any other player, he's got to learn to build his whole game, his 200 ft game, defending game," Firebirds head coach Derek Laxdal said.

Before playing for the Firebirds, Tyson Jugnath spent his summer in Seattle at his own expense to improve his game. An experience that has led him to where he is today.

"My defending game's gotten better," Jugnauth said. "It's something I worked with the coaching staff a lot about, and you know, offensively, I feel like I'm starting to kind of get going. Obviously, I think I have another step there to take, but I think it's been better in the last few games, and hopefully I keep going in the right direction."

Training with two Seattle Kraken strength coaches has paid off, helping him become one of the team's top 5 scorers, making it one of the best decisions he's ever made.

"For me, I knew what I needed to do to be ready to play this league, and I think going to Seattle was a big step for me," Jugnauth said. "Obviously, it was great to work with NHL strength coaches. Nate Berkson and Jake Jensen are unbelievable at what they do. They got me prepared in the best way possible for this year, so you know, I think it prepared me really well to have a good start."

In only his rookie year, Jugnauth has shown he has all the tools to be a future top-line defenseman, but it's his attitude on the ice that separates him from the league's rising talent.

"You can see that he's got a great head on his shoulders, and he sees the game very well," head coach Laxdal said. "He moves pucks well, so obviously he's going to be exciting for our fans to watch."

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