Firkus Back In Action, Firebirds Learn When They'll Be, More Kraken Notes

Seattle Kraken prospect Jagger Firkus (above photo) and his Moose Jaw Warriors face a tall task tonight, as they look for their first victory at the Memorial Cup.

The WHL champion Warriors meet the OHL champion London Knights Monday in Saginaw, MI, with puck drop just after 4:30 pm Seattle time.

The Knights already own a 4-0 shutout over QMJHL titlist Drummondville Voltigeurs.

The host Saginaw Spirit surprised Moose Jaw 5-4 in the opener of the round-robin tournament for both teams. Firkus assisted on one goal, but had his own marker wiped off the board by a video review for offside.

Coachella Valley Learns Next Opponent

The Seattle Kraken AHL affiliate in Coachella Valley has been idle for eight days, since they completed a sweep of the Ontario Reign.

That's because it took until Sunday to determine the Firebirds opponent in the Calder Cup Western Conference Finals.

The Milwaukee Admirals shut out the Grand Rapids Griffins 2-0, to win their divisional series 3-2.

Milwaukee also provided the opposition in last year's Western Finals, won by Coachella Valley in six games. If the Firebirds once again advance, and Hershey beats Cleveland in the Eastern Finals, the championship series will be a rematch, too. The Bears won a seven-game classic over the Firebirds in 2023.

This year's semifinal series won't kick off until Wednesday at Acrisure Arena. Coachella Valley will host the first two games, as well as games six and seven, if necessary. Here's the full schedule:

Kraken Coaching Tidbits

The Seattle Kraken are seriously considering two in-house candidates to fill their coaching vacancy.

Current Kraken assistant Jay Leach and  Firebirds coach Dan Bylsma "are believed to have gone through the second round of interviews in Seattle," according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.

Other candidates include "former Sharks and Kings coach Todd McLellan," as well as "former Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason. Former Edmonton Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft, who was in the running in New Jersey, may also be under consideration in Seattle."