Derek Laxdal welcomed as head coach for Coachella Valley Firebirds

As the new coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Derek Laxdal is looking forward to bringing his special style of optimism to the team and helping his players navigate, both on and off the ice.

The Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) recently announced that Laxdal has been hired as the new head coach of the franchise’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Coachella Valley Firebirds, who play home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California. Laxdal succeeds Dan Bylsma, becoming the Firebirds’ second head coach in franchise history.

Laxdal joins the Firebirds from the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Oshawa Generals where he led his team last season to an 89-point (40-19-7) regular season record and a spot in the OHL Championship Series. As a result, he was voted OHL Coach of the Year by his coaching peers from across the league.

For Laxdal, it’s not all about the game nor is it all about winning (even though that’s important). He says, “The beauty of the AHL is that we have a great nucleus of talent, a mix of young kids and veterans. I get to work with [assistant coach] Brennan Sonne and Peter Thome, and we can see the progression of these players’ careers.”

He explains that with the first two Firebirds’ teams, many of the players skewed older, but now he’s also excited to see the draft picks come through, such as Canadian Jagger Firkus and goaltender Niklaa Kokko from Finland.

Laxdal joined Oshawa as head coach and assistant general manager in 2022 after spending three seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Dallas Stars. Prior to Dallas, Laxdal spent six seasons with the franchise’s AHL affiliate Texas Stars as head coach from 2014-2020. In 380 games behind the AHL bench, he had a record of 189-139-52 including a run to the Calder Cup final in 2018, losing in seven games to the Toronto Marlies. Laxdal also won two WHL titles with the Edmonton Oil Kings (2011-12 and 2013-14) and reached the pinnacle of junior hockey, winning the Memorial Cup with the Oil Kings in 2014.

Laxdal’s professional coaching career also includes five years in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads. He achieved a winning record throughout all five seasons and led the Steelheads to two Kelly Cup Championship finals, winning in 2007 and finishing as runners-up in 2010. Additionally, he received the ECHL Coach of the Year award alongside his championship win in 2007.

Prior to his coaching career, Laxdal played six seasons (1984-85 to 1990-91) in the NHL between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders. In total, he played 27 seasons of professional hockey in several leagues including the NHL, AHL, ECHL, WHL and more. He won two championships throughout his professional career: the AHL Calder Cup in 1990 and the B&H Cup (previously the United Kingdom’s Autumn Cup) in 1997. He represented Canada internationally, winning a U20 World Juniors Championship silver medal in 1985-86.

Having been a player, including part of that time serving as a team captain, Laxdal says, “I know that players come to the rink to feel positive. Yes, it’s a job, but it’s a process too, and it’s important to make it fun and create a family atmosphere. For me, we play not just for the logo on the front of the shirts but for the fans and the families.”

When asked how he plans to take an entirely new group of players and groom them for the playoffs, Coach Laxdal says, “I really just focus on helping these players make their goals and getting to the finals. As part of a feeder system to the next Seattle Kraken, taking the next steps to the NHL and aiming for the Calder Cup are some of the most effective tools. One of my favorite things is to see these players succeed as I work to mold great people and change their lives. To me, that is fulfilling.”

The coach regularly stays in touch with former players, while acknowledging the international flavor of the team. He appreciates the mix, and he fondly recalls helping some of these young men find their way around in the United States such as assisting one of his young Russian players receive his driver’s license in Texas.

In short, he takes an interest in their lives and puts a priority on ensuring they can perform at their best.

As Laxdal and his family make the move from Canada to the Coachella Valley, he emphasizes their interest in giving back to the community. His wife has her equine certification and plans to take part in horse rescue activities.

As for the enthusiasm to be expected from the Coachella Valley fans? Laxdal is well aware of the passion and excitement that the Firebirds have created among their fan base, noting that, “Without other pro teams in the area, this is THE home team. Since it’s not a nationwide brand, the events generate so much support including from the Canadian snowbirds!” Laxdal fully expects to see some of his family and friends from The Land of Maple Syrup as they winter in the desert.

For Coach Laxdal, everything is interconnected. As he says, “Overall, we’ve got a great formula for success.”