The Seattle Kraken will have a primary AHL affiliate next season and today the name, logo, and colors of that franchise have been revealed. In 2022-23 the Coachella Valley Firebirds will take flight, wearing uniforms of “flaming red and orange, with an ice blue accent.” Tim Leiweke, CEO of the Oak View Group, which will be part owners of the new AHL franchise, released this statement:
Over the last two years, and after listening to fans, our leadership, and partners, we’ve been heavily involved in identifying the best team name and brand to represent the nine cities of the Coachella Valley. As a proud resident of the valley, I think the Firebirds has a meaningful representation for the beauty and what people experience when they come to our great community.
The team will play out of a new arena in Riverside County that will house more than 11,000 seats and includes a brand new training facility for the minor league club. It is set to open in 2022, when the Firebirds will start play. The Kraken will at that point have an affiliate to drop prospects and oversee their development, instead of the current split agreement with the Charlotte Checkers.
Charlotte, which is an independent minor league club, are currently the affiliate of both the Kraken and the Florida Panthers. Seattle is providing just a handful of players to the AHL club (along with a coach) as they continue to build out their organizational depth. Next year, it’ll be the Firebirds they’re dealing with, not only closer geographically but also operated by the same organization.
We get it. We’re hipsters.
Wow!!! Those poor Krapen are going to have plenty of long bus trips. The Kings Ontario, CA are a decent ride from Riverside, but teams like the Ducks (San Diego) and others are really a long trek.
Sounds like they copied the Atlanta Thrashers…
They will probably better than the NHL Coyotes.
Awesome! They will have some great California rivalries
Much better choice than the San Fernando Valley Fireballs.
Better name than the KrAkEn.
Agreed!
@Windmill – C’mon, they have one of the best catchphrases ever “Release the Kraken!”. Plus add in the rum brand and you’ll have party on your hands :) :D
The kraken is a dope name. Stfu. What’s kraken buddy