Kraken Prospects Getting 'Ugly' In AHL Final (That's A Good Thing)

Only in hockey are the words "dirty, garbage, ugly" meant as features, not bugs.

That's exactly how Seattle Kraken coach Dan Bylsma described a goal Tuesday by one of the prospects who may someday join him inside Climate Pledge Arena.

Bylsma also could have been talking about a goal scored by another Kraken prospect, also in Game 3 of the AHL Calder Cup Final. His Coachella Valley Firebirds took a 2-1 series lead with a dominant 6-2 victory over the Hershey Bears.

Specifically, Bylsma was referencing the score by free agent signee Lleyton Roed (#29 in above photo), who three months ago was attending Bemidji State University in Minnesota. The distance from Roed's stick to the goal line was roughly six inches.

"There's a number of young guys that are in our lineup and contributing," Bylsma said after the game. "Tonight it was a guy who hasn't been with us all year, but a guy who's put in a lot of work, a lot of energy off the ice in the last month and a half.

"Game 2 was very good (for Roed), and this one was very good. Speed, energy, and he gets a dirty, garbage, ugly goal going to the net."

For his part, Roed said he's been warmly welcomed by both his teammates and fans inside Acrisure Arena.

"The guys have been awesome. Coach has put me in a good role with good players on my line. I think I've done a good job with it. It's been great with these guys, just a fun ride. I thought we fed off the energy really well."

Less than 12 minutes after Roed's goal, 2021 Kraken 3rd round pick Ryan Winterton scored from much further away - the lip of the goal crease. With velvet-soft hands, Winterton roofed what is already his 3rd goal of the Final.

Firebirds captain Max McCormick, at 32 a graybeard (not really) who scored a hat trick Tuesday, has noticed the impact of his younger teammates.

"Guys like Roedy haven't been in the lineup, have been working like dogs. He's been super impactful the last two games, making a difference. Seeing it pay off is fun to watch."

Seattle Kraken fans are hoping to get that opportunity, too.