New Kraken Coach Returns To Firebirds For Next AHL Playoff Series

Ever taken a promotion with a different branch of a company, but still have an assignment to complete in your previous role? Then you have an idea what new Seattle Kraken coach Dan Bylsma is juggling right now.

Bylsma flew from Coachella Valley to Seattle on Monday. Tuesday morning, he was introduced as the Kraken's new coach. By Tuesday evening, he was back in Palm Desert, preparing the Firebirds for the Wednesday start of the AHL Western Conference Finals.

"We Love Playing For Him"

Firebirds players and executives alike had nothing but praise for their soon-to-depart bench boss.

"It's everybody's goal to get to the NHL," Coachella Valley forward Andrew Poturalski told KESQ-TV. "Coaches are no different than us. Really happy for him to get that opportunity.

"He's led our team the last two years. You saw what we did last year, what we're doing this year. There's a reason for it. He prepares us probably the best I've even been prepared in my career. The time and effort he puts in doesn't go unnoticed We love playing for him."

"He's earned it. It's well deserved," offered captain Max McCormick.

Veteran forward Devin Shore also described the promotion as "very deserving." Shore, who's scored four goals in seven Firebirds playoff games, added, "Both last year and this year, the Firebirds have done really well, and he's a big reason for that. I know everyone down here is really excited for him."

Coachella Valley president of hockey operations Troy Bodie was equally complimentary. "The players just love playing for him. They respect him.

"One of the best things about Dan is he brings fun to the rink every day. Every single day the rink is fun. But when he has to be stern, the players respect that. It's a great atmosphere."