As the American Hockey League season resumes after the All-Star break, the Coachella Valley Firebirds are preparing for a home game against division rival Tucson, which will feature a Seattle Kraken theme night. This event is part of ongoing efforts to connect fans with the NHL affiliate, as many current Firebirds players have become key contributors for the Seattle Kraken.
Several former Firebirds are now making an impact in Seattle. Defenseman Ryker Evans, in his third NHL season, and Jessica Campbell, a former assistant coach with Coachella Valley and now in her second year as a Kraken assistant coach, highlight this connection. Center Shane Wright, who played a significant role during Coachella Valley’s 2023 playoff run, recently scored two goals for the Kraken before the NHL’s Winter Olympics break. Newer arrivals such as Ryan Winterton, Jacob Melanson, and Ben Meyers have also added to Seattle’s roster depth.
Fans attending Friday’s “Kraken Night presented by Alaska Airlines” at Acrisure Arena can expect themed content and surprises celebrating the NHL franchise. The event underscores how closely linked the AHL team is to its parent club; following players like Jagger Firkus or Tyson Jugnauth may give local fans early bragging rights if those athletes reach NHL prominence.
Ryan Winterton has received praise from both teammates and head coach Lane Lambert for his performance since making Seattle’s opening night roster out of training camp. Known for his strong forechecking and offensive skills, Winterton has been moved into top forward lines alongside veterans Chandler Stephenson and Jaden Schwartz. When paired with Melanson and Meyers on checking lines, they have produced goals and scoring opportunities that have helped keep Seattle in playoff contention.
Jacob Melanson has impressed coaches and fans with his physical style of play. He set a team record for hits in consecutive games—first 10 hits in one game, then 12 in another. Jared McCann commented on Melanson: “We love watching him, he’s like a human bowling ball out there hitting guys, but he’s also can shoot and make great passes.”
Melanson scored his first NHL goal on January 5 during a win for Seattle after receiving an assist from Winterton and secondary help from Meyers. “It’s something you dream of as a kid,” said Melanson after the game. “Like I’ve said before, playing in NHL games is cool, but getting that first goal is unreal. And it’s cool that it came from ‘Wints.’ That means a lot.” He celebrated emotionally with family present at the arena.
The connections between these players go back to their time together with Coachella Valley—a relationship highlighted when Ryker Evans joined them on ice after Melanson’s milestone goal.
“It’s awesome to see the CV boys doing well,” said Melanson about their recent success at higher levels. “I know the fan base down there is proud of us. It’s good to see.”
Oscar Fisker Molgaard is another example of this pipeline; he was called up twice by Seattle for injury replacements and earned an assist during his first NHL game.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds serve as the American Hockey League affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken (https://cvfirebirds.com/). Since joining as an expansion franchise in the Pacific Division, they have achieved playoff runs and division titles while supporting community initiatives through their foundation (https://cvfirebirds.com/). The organization partners with local nonprofits to support families and children through youth hockey development programs, education outreach, health initiatives (https://cvfirebirds.com/), and engaging fan events (https://cvfirebirds.com/).
The Firebirds continue to bring professional hockey to California’s Coachella Valley region while developing talent that advances to contribute at higher levels within professional hockey organizations.
