The Desert Sun's Fire & Ice Podcast - Roundtable featuring John Hayden -- Playoffs Edition (May 11, 2026)

Look up -- the Firebirds are soaring like, well, majestic avians. As for Eagles, they're up next. Join in for a Calder Cup Playoff semi-Roundtable episode, featuring CV forward John Hayden getting peppered with questions from the host, alongside The Desert's Sun Shad Powers and Andrew John. Lace-up this full prep for Coachella Valley vs. Colorado in the Pacific Division Finals.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:08

Greetings, friends and firebirds fans, welcome to the Desert Sun, Fire and Ice podcast, presented by Desert Willow Fall Resort. Comedy from Home Desert, California, here J.R. Avon Blur Away from the Bird Home Ice Aperture Arena. I'm your host, Jeff Spicer, fourth season. Firebird cocky, fourth season of the playoffs, fourth season in turn of the Fire and Ice Podcast. What a season it has become, friends, but bearing the lead to get recognized instantly. Birds come back again. And again, and again and again. That counts four times. Birds count four and oh in elimination games in these color cup playoffs. And they get it done down one to two in the series. We're still very good top seeded Ontario ranked team. Birds go into Ontario, of course, this past Saturday night. Double overtime thriller, awesome pass from the kid they call Juggy Tyson Juggnaught, but 100 whatever foot pass off the board. Finds a streaking J.R. Aven, puts a move on Eric Portillo. And the birds are onward. The birds extended the season for the third time in four years now in the third round of these Call of Cup playoffs, where CB moves on to the division finals this week upcoming, facing a very good Colorado Eagles team. Gonna get into it. Gonna break it all down on this episode of Desert Sub Fire and Heights podcast for those first recognized who will soon be joining us. Interesting format, a format we have not before tried on Fire and Heights across four seasons of this program. It is a semi. There's a hype in it there. It's a semi-media round table, not just featuring yours truly and our friends from the Desert Sun, Andrew John and Chad Powers, but joining the round table will be CV Forward John Hayden. You can pepper him with all manner of questions coming from three different sides. Look forward to that upcoming. In the interim, let us look at those who make this show go. The Desert Sun newspaper, informing our valley since yonder 19 to 27. DesertSun.com, that's your spot for news, politics, local, events, festivals, fun, firebirds. And for those also paying attention to the local sports scene and DesertSun.com, I digress. But not just uh hockey, also hoops soon to happen at AcroSure Arena. We will welcome the Los Angeles Lakers G League team, now to be known as the Coachella Valley Lakers. But that's basketball. This is hockey time. And also, because of our desert bounty and where we live, it's also turf time. Desert Willow Golf Resort, also right here in sunny Palma Desert, California, home to the Mountain View and Firecliff courses, respectively. Get those tea times online at Desert Willow.com. I know those boys, I know those gals over there at Desert Willow. They're going to these Firebirds playoff games. Some of it is sporting passion, some of it, of course, is proximity. Desert Willow, a mere 1.5 miles away from the bird's eyes of Acreshore Arena. You know, I love the good putt to puck segue. Go tee it up at either the Mountain View or Firecliffe courses, or heck, go play 36. Play them both and then skate it right down, Cook, over to Varner. Bang! You're at a Firebirds playoff game versus the Colorado Eagles. More on that schedule upcoming. And that segues us to this Firebirds freeze frame segment. We'll get into the stats, the schedule, much, much more. Firebirds freeze frame segment, mind you, as a great new sponsor or sponsors this year, because you know, friends, that Ice Action isn't limited to Acrochure Arena alone. Hockey fans seeking some pregame drinks, post-game toasts. You need only look up to the high desert, where our Firebirds friends at both the 29 Palms Beer Company and the Ground Squirrel. That's G R N D S Q R L. They're both serving up some awesome meats and incredible beers in downtown 29 Palms. Ground Squirrel, of course, I've told you that supports an awesome gaster pub style scratch made menu, and they pair that with a rotating list of craft beers. You're up there, you want to seek a power play, hey, just get it right on down the street to the 29 Palms Beer Company. They're brewing up their own phenomenal beers right on site, and wait for it, this is key. They are televising every Firebirds playoff game, or during the regular season, just every Firebirds game. But right now we specify playoff games. You can watch them home or away at the 29 Palms Beer Company. Look, you're a desert local, you're seeking a fun new scene, you're a desert guest visiting here in the shoulder season where it's fun, it's funky, it's a little bit cooler up there in the high desert. You might be exploring Joshua Tree, playing Cowboy and Pioneer Town. Hey, you might be celebrating a bird's win, drowning your sorrows, perhaps after a tough, tough loss. Either way, you lace up the hospitality in 29 Palms for both the ground squirrel and the 29 Palms Beer Company, those are proving your high desert hockey homes. Alright, the nitty and the gritty friends. There are a mere eight teams left in these AHL Calder Cup playoffs. And again, the Firebirds are one of them. After a one-year hiatus, I guess, from this Elite Eight, the Birds are back at doing so in dramatic fashion. Again, as mentioned at the outset, didn't want to bury it, staving off elimination four times across these mirror. That stat is just mind-boggling to me. They've played eight games, they've staved off elimination four times. Of course, Birds fell in the playoff opener to Bakersfield, came back home to Palm Desert to win the double dip, get to the second round, split the first two with Ontario, only to lose a very tough and well-played third game. Birds then got it done in game four versus the rain at home, hit the I-10 back on the road to Ontario. Went to that game with the friend and colleague Andrew John, whom we will uh hear from shortly. And uh it was an intense night. It was a stressful night. It was a uh pretty filled arena. It was a buoyant arena, it was an arena that was ready to see victory. It was an arena, and I don't like to use the word deserve often in hockey or in life, dudes, but I think it was a fan base in arena that felt after the fourth best uh point total, fourth best record season in the AHL this year, that their reign were deserving of moving on to the third round of the playoffs. Firebirds, of course, had something to say about that. There's a lot of stats, there's a lot of box score, but there is something about this Firebirds team, and I so look forward to speaking with this uh with John Hayden and the Desert Sun Gents about an intangible, something that is tough to put a finger on, whether it be compete, whether it be heart, whether it be soul, whatever you want to call it. I I'm I'm I've used the word magic before on this program. I hesitate just yet to use that word again now, but we're seeing something particularly unique and special about this group from these boys from this room. There is a real sense of belief, and after staving off elimination four times in a mere two series, the boys got to believe that they can compete again, that they can win again as they enter the Pacific Division Finals against a very good Colorado Eagles squad. The schedule plays out thusly, my friends. Game one. It is a 2-3 format, best of five. Game one this Wednesday night at Acrochore Arena, May 18th, 7 p.m. puck drop. Game two follows this Friday night, the 15th of May, also a 7 p.m. start. Series then shifts to Colorado, excuse me. Game three taking place Sunday, this Sunday, May 17th, 5 p.m. Pacific time at Colorado. We can move now into the asterisks, which I think I finally got that word, Master. Game four would be, if needed, next Wednesday, May 20th, 6 p.m. Pacific time start. Game five, asterisk, if needed, would also be played in Colorado. That is next Friday, May 22nd. It would be a 6 p.m. start time. Over the course of the season, birds fared well against the good Eagles team. From our lens, birds went four and four across the eight games played. If my Minnesota math is correct, Colorado might look at it from a slightly different lens since a couple of the birds' wins, or inversely, Colorado's losses. One came uh via a shootout win for the birds. That was back in the middle, or rather the onset of November, excuse me, and then an OT win for the Birds on the latter end of a back-to-back that the two teams played on March 21st, and then the Birds beat them again on the 22nd in overtime 4-3. That was the last time, or the last two times, I should say, that these two squads faced off March 21st and 2nd, respectively. Two teams had the same amount of wins on the regular season, 41 apiece, although Colorado authored the regular campaign with uh five more points, then did the Birds uh finishing in second place in the Pacific. Not the first time that these two uh squads have faced off in the Calder Cup playoffs. We've got to go back to yonder inaugural year when the boys had the proverbial backs against the wall versus another good Eagles team. You might remember that format was also 2-3. Started in Colorado, then came back to Accurshire Arena. Birds returned to Palm Desert in that series down 1-2, and the only reason that they were able to extend it was that shorthanded goal. We talked about it in the most recent episode with Oscar Fisker Molgard. Good timing to have OFM on this show, by the way. Uh, a short-handed goal from Alexander True uh eventually led to a birds victory in that fourth game, and then uh CB took down uh Colorado. I think it was 5-0 in that deciding game five. The last and only time, again, that uh the two squads have met in these Calder Cup playoffs. Colorado, very veteran team, very balanced team in many ways. They're not gonna wow you with the metrics and the stats over the course of the season. Uh they did have six players hit the 40-point mark. That was led by 70 points, which was good by uh for second in the entire American League center, Alex Barre Boule. Yeah, it's fun to say, but we don't want to say it that often. Again, second in the American Hockey League, had a good season, by the way, in the games against uh Coachello Valley. Uh, nine points did Alex have, including four goals across those eight games against the Birds in these Calder Cup playoffs. Uh, Colorado doing very, very well. Look, they swept to San Diego 2-0 in the first round. They handled a really solid and high-scoring Henderson team in four games in the second round. Uh, that first round to specify a 9-1 scoring margin over the Gulls. The second round, a 14-6 scoring margin in Colorado's favor over the Silver Knights. Thus, lead the uh Eagles are 5-1 in a mere six games across these Calder Cup playoffs. Alex Baret Boulet continues to get it done alongside a couple others, co-leading the team with seven points through those six games. Tristan Nielsen has had himself a fine playoff thus far for Colorado. He's got five goals. And the old savvy vet TJ Tynan, he's got seven points in these playoffs, led by five assists. Interesting to note per those veterans, of course, Jason Megna, a part of this Eagles team, in concert with TJ Tynan, or I should say, when combined with TJ Tynan, a little bit of a mind blow. Megna plus Tynen equals 1,522 cumulative AHL games. Uh Trent Minor, he will be in net for uh Colorado. They do have a couple of fine net miners, but Minor has played every playoff game thus far, had a good regular season, did Trent 17-8, 5-1 with a really good 2.62 goals against. Even better in the playoffs. He is 5-1 with a just a sliver of a goals against of 1.10 and a very lofty save percentage of 0.953. Over the course of the regular season, as I said, the metrics aren't going to jump off the charts for Colorado. They were ninth in the AHL in goals. Solid. They had 237, just two more than did the Firebirds again in that regular season. Uh power play was 10th. The kill was 21st. Perhaps most notably is that while Colorado does have these veterans and they can score some goals, they were seventh. Very good staff in goals against over the course of the year, allowing just 198. Per some stats for our Firebirds. Talked about OFM, Oscar Fisker Mulligard, 10 total points through these playoffs, leads not just the Firebirds, but the entire American Hockey League, as do the six goals for Oscar. He has scored in six, he's had points rather in six of the birds, uh eight playoff games. And again, both goals and total points leads the Calder Cup playoffs. Trio of players have eight points of peach piece, rather, but they are peaches. Uh all of these guys. Great guys. Yanni Newman, eight points. That's three goals combined with five assists. Jagger Ferkis, also eight points, three goals and four assists in these playoffs. And then the hero from game five, J.R. Avon, we call him John Richard in the business, eight points in these playoffs. He has five goals, uh, including the game winner in game five. He also scored in game four. That is tied for second in the AHL Calder Cup playoffs, those five goals for JR. Per the net minder, usually you said netbinders, but there is no plurality required here because Nike Coco has been the lone net binder for CV in these playoffs, played all eight games, and namely done very, very well. Hey, in that uh overtime in game five, and even at the end of regulation in game five, Ontario was coming at the birds with some serious push. Coco was able to keep them alive through the end of that third period, throughout that first overtime session. Some great saves, some acrobatic saves, some dramatic saves, flopping around saves, all the saves we needed to get to that second overtime and the eventual win. DK now 5-3 in these Calder Cup playoffs, solid goals against a 2.74, and a pretty solid save percentage of 0.893. You see more of DK, of course, in the net this week for Birds versus Eagles in these Pacific Division Finals. All right, dudes, thanks to the sponsors of that Firebirds free spray segment, rather, both the Ground Squirrel and the 29 Palms Beer Company, your high desert hockey homes. All that offered, all that prefaced, let's get to this playoff special episode semi media roundtable featuring Andrew John and Chad Powers from the Desert Sun, along with Firebirds forward John Hay. All right, Firebirds Block, as prefaced. A unique format for this episode of the Desert Sun's Fire and Ice podcast. I guess it's one that in nearly four years, or in four years, like nearly 70 episodes never tried before, but I think we're gonna pull it off. We're calling it a semi-media round table because not all members are from the media. Those who are, maybe we're going in order of importance here. We're saving the best for last. From the Desert Sun, sports and leisure editor Shan Powers, along with reporter Andrew John joining yours truly. Perhaps most importantly, I think we can say for this time year, decidedly most importantly, he's a native of Chicago, Illinois, 74th overall pick in the 2013 draft, along with 272 NHL games on his resume, 247 more in the American League, 223 of which, allow me to editorialize, a record franchise setting, uh 203, 223 of which have been played for the Firebirds. One of only three players to appear across all four seasons of Firebirds hockey. He is third uh all-time in franchise goals, fifth in all-time points, and for good measure, second in all-time franchise penalties, although he'll probably never catch Ian McKinnon in that metric. Number 15 on your scorecard. Number one in your heart, so welcome John Hayden to the Fire Nights podcast. Hello, John!

SPEAKER_02 16:51

Thanks for having me. Appreciate it. Uh it's good to be here at the round table.

SPEAKER_01 16:55

Good to have you joining us, man. I'll get it cooking and then I'll turn to these learned Firebirds' minds. Before looking forward to Colorado and the series head, let's look back just a little bit. In game five, birds versus Ontario. Obviously, uh Firebirds went into that game with uh with a lot of confidence and some momentum uh after a couple of great games at Acucher Arena, only one of which, of course, resulted in victory, but strong play all around. Tell me about uh tell us rather about the Firebirds mentality, mindset going into that deciding game five.

SPEAKER_04 17:32

I think it was helpful having uh a little bit of adversity against Bakersfield to to take a young group uh like us and uh put ourselves in a position to have to win two in a row against Bakersfield. Um and then a little bit of adversity against Ontario. It's just been healthy for us. Um the team's been learning quick about playoff. Uh we we have a little bit of inexperience, but it doesn't seem like that. And it it almost seems like after each series we've become a little bit more veteran, and the young guys uh seem like uh they've been here all along the last four years, which is great. So uh no, it's a it's a it's been a good test, and I think those two series have prepared us well for a really solid Colorado team.

SPEAKER_01 18:19

Shad Powers, have you a follow-up from the Ontario Game 5 or the Ontario series in general?

SPEAKER_05 18:24

No, but that's interesting to hear you say. Um yeah, I I was getting sort of 2023 playoff run vibes, the way you guys have had to win an elimination game in every at every turn so far. Are you feeling you know, you went through that in 2023 where you guys kept playing have kept having to go to the limit in series? Um are you kind of feeling the same way about the way this has started?

SPEAKER_04 18:48

Buys can be tough. So I think maybe you should consider it a blessing in disguise that we didn't end up first, especially with the young group. Um so uh there is a lot of parody in our division. Um, so we knew that uh there there would be challenges regardless. But again, uh for our our group to learn on the fly about the ups and downs of playoffs and um how to stay comfortable in eliminate elimination games, I think will serve us well the next few rounds. So um I think yeah, we have a lot of a lot of positive momentum to build on.

SPEAKER_01 19:23

Andrew John, turn it to you, sir. Something to add, of course.

SPEAKER_00 19:27

Yeah, John, you know, just after the game, talking to Oscar Fiskram Mulgard, uh, a guy who, you know, is pretty modest but was uh really beaming with a ton of confidence after that series. Rightfully so. Um so just you know, as a veteran guy, how do you kind of manage the room and make sure that you know you don't get too high after uh what was obviously a very, very exciting series for you guys?

SPEAKER_04 19:52

I I just think that uh preparation for uh each new series can be pretty grounding when you realize that there's new opponents and um you see the depth of lineups. So um it's good or bad, it's you gotta turn the page uh fairly quickly. Uh we added a couple days to to reset. Tomorrow will be a good practice before Colorado and um it's nice to start at home. Uh just the nature of our league with the travel schedules, uh start with two games at home.

SPEAKER_01 20:29

The uh mention of Oscar Fisker Molgard is uh a metric that certainly stands out thus far into these Calder Cup playoffs. I mean, the dude has ten points, he has six goals, both of which lead the entire league in uh in both categories. But the number that stands out to me most is through a mere two series. You guys are four and out in elimination games and just eight playoff games thus far. Rather amazing, man. It's such a dearth of games to already have four times facing elimination and to save it off each and every time. What what is it about the makeup of this group that you think accomplished that?

SPEAKER_04 21:06

You can't do that without good goaltending. So we are our Poco's been awesome, and our depth at the position in general is great. Um Dex been doing a great job too, so um even a guy like Laper, right? So there's just a lot of goaltending depth and um and then just young confidence, um, again, like I said, building off the first wins against Bakersfield. Um it's really comfortable and a lot of fans don't get to see what it's like during intermissions, but you know, when we're when we're there between periods um talking about how we've done it before, um it's just um sort of calm that I think helps guys go out and and um play with more confidence than pressure, if that makes sense.

SPEAKER_01 21:56

Shared powers baton pass to you, sir.

SPEAKER_05 22:00

Uh one guy I wanted to ask you about, John, that we don't talk about, I haven't given enough credit, maybe, is Coach Lackstall. Um I guess my question for you is is there is playoff lackstall different than regular season lax stall in any way, pregame, post-game, in-game?

SPEAKER_04 22:18

Um well, I think lax is a uh a championship coach. He's won multiple championships, so um he's had a lot of success for good reason. He's coached in the NHL and um I don't know if I would say there's uh a stark difference. Um he's he's consistent, um and uh he manages the game very well um during a game. So I'd say that's one of his strengths as a coach. Um so uh it's been great the last couple years with Lax and our staff in general. Um and uh I we've definitely been prepared well for each series.

SPEAKER_01 22:55

Andrew, John, your thoughts and question for John Hayden.

SPEAKER_00 22:59

Yeah, John, you know, you had mentioned the advantage of starting out uh with two games at home. That's something that we've talked about as well the last couple days here. Uh just the benefit of, you know, if you guys can manage to win, you know, uh a couple games here, there's tremendous pressure on Colorado going into the backside. Of course, you want to just take it a game at a time, but going in, do you like the the format of starting at home per uh as opposed to you know having the back end schedule kind of like they do in the American Hockey League was so much different than the NHL?

SPEAKER_04 23:34

Yeah, it's different. It's I know a lot of it depends on on distance traveled. Um it is what it is, right? With uh three-game, five game. I mean, I'm a fan of seven-game series. I think that's the way it should be, but um, just we have to control what we can. But uh definitely an advanced to start at home, in my opinion. And uh we're definitely looking forward to having two to start.

SPEAKER_01 23:59

Let us uh segue into the what I'm calling the Poberie section of the Desert Suns Fire Nice podcast, presented by Desert Willow Golf Resort, Shad Powers, Andrew John from the Desert Sun, and John Hayden for uh Firebirds Frontliner is our guest. I don't want to uh take over the reins entirely on uh this program. So, Shad, I'm gonna go right back to you, sir. Your next question or subject matter for John Hayden.

SPEAKER_05 24:23

Well, I wanted to ask about that two-game series you guys played at Colorado in March, uh, the most recent time you've played those guys. Um, obviously you won both games up there. Do you think that is going to give you sort of a I guess a good feeling when you guys do go up there for games three and and possibly four and five that you've had success so recently up there?

SPEAKER_04 24:44

It helps, especially to to have one in that building. Um, I would say uh both teams have new rosters, uh a lot of different faces. Um, so yes, there's some added confidence having one in that building this year, but um at the same time, it's uh like we us and us uh players and the coaches have to have been preaching all year, short-term memory is important. So um, sort of business at hand. Um take care of our home games and go from there.

SPEAKER_01 25:16

Andrew John, question for John Hayden. I keep saying Andrew John and then John Hayden. Maybe it's a weird segue, but I think we all know what we mean.

SPEAKER_00 25:24

Yeah, John, uh, you you had mentioned just the strength of the goaltending in this series. Uh Kaka Koko has obviously played phenomenal. He he didn't start the playoffs great when the with that first game against Bakersfield, but has just been so good since then. Can you speak to just the benefit of having uh someone in the net who's uh just brings that level of confidence to the group?

SPEAKER_04 25:48

Yeah, it's consistent and and across all leagues. Uh goalies just can can provide so much, and it's hard to win without elite goaltending. Uh and he's elite, he's improved it at the NHL level too. So and then Vic as well. So it's uh it's nice to have those guys back there and and adds confidence to the group, and um no matter the situation, there's no concern from us. It's just um it's a boost having those guys.

SPEAKER_01 26:19

And they're great kids.

SPEAKER_04 26:20

I I will add like both those sorry, they're they're great kids. Um and so it's fun to be around those two um that can coco. Um, so uh the the office part's important too, and just from a culture standpoint, I'd say that those guys definitely are value ads.

SPEAKER_01 26:39

Shad powers, turn it back to you. Another question for John.

SPEAKER_05 26:42

Okay, yeah, John, I wanted to ask about the way you guys have played so well on the road. I assume that has a lot to do with the camaraderie. Is there something sort of galvanizing about a road trip for a hockey team?

SPEAKER_04 26:54

Definitely. Colorado will be different, probably even more galvanizing because Ontario is day trips. So we actually would just stay in our own beds and and head there the day of the game. But uh yes, you're right. Uh there's a lot of mojo on the road. Guys are are uh getting into different routines, going out to more meals together, um, and it helps. Um so Colorado will have a lot of that.

SPEAKER_01 27:22

Andrew, John, questions on travel or perhaps something different for John Hayden?

SPEAKER_00 27:27

Yeah, I mean, just John, I wanted to ask you basically what coming off of this, you know, really, really exceptional series you guys just played, what what are what's a couple of things that you guys feel like you're doing better this time of year than earlier in the season? Seems like the team is you know just playing a little more consistent with more consistency. Some of the younger guys have really grown up. What what is it that you see in the room there?

SPEAKER_04 27:52

Well, actually mentioned before that once there's 72 games in the season now, 80 plus uh rookies aren't really rookies anymore. They have a full season under their belt. So I'd say that some of that uh anything that you would attribute to youth is sort of out the window. Um guys just getting comfortable and special teams getting more comfortable. Um so it's sort of like we've had to face eliminate elimination games and get over those humps and and and develop from there. It's the same with uh where we're at now. Um just having learned from the regular season.

SPEAKER_01 28:28

John, my next question for you. And a lot of times, I'll be honest, these kind of compare or contrast questions, they don't necessarily go over all that great, but you have the unique lens of being a part of this team in parts of four different years. Um you've seen different narratives play out, you've seen different rosters play out. Is there something about this team that you feel is uniquely different or special from the three previous versions of the Firebirds that we've enjoyed?

SPEAKER_04 28:59

Well, well, uh definitely the youth. I mean, what what what's our average age and what has it been in the past? Um it's something like 21 or 22 right now, correct?

SPEAKER_01 29:08

Yeah, yeah, at the beginning of the year, yeah.

SPEAKER_04 29:11

Um so I think we have three veterans on the team, which is a totally different dynamic. Um and uh even last year we had uh more veteran guys, so that's different. Um and uh like like all year we've we've wanted to use that as a as a positive, right? Um it's really our choice, it's a mindset. Like, is that gonna be a bug or a feature? So it's been a feature to this point, and uh I think it'll continue to be one. And um yeah, I think I know that's like that's probably the the most straightforward answer, but it's true. It's it's just a different feel when the group's so young and um we've had fun with it.

SPEAKER_01 30:00

Shared powers as we start wrapping this up. You got one or potentially two more questions for John Hayden.

SPEAKER_05 30:05

Yeah, I wanted to go uh talk about the penalty kill, which has been great, and even more specifically not taking very many penalties. That was definitely a secret to success, it seemed like, in that Ontario series. In fact, I don't believe he allowed any power play goals the whole all five games. Um, is that a conscious effort of the playoffs to take less um risks, you know, in the world of um creating penalties, or is that just a product of they don't call as many penalties? I don't know. Is that something you guys actually talk about for the playoffs?

SPEAKER_04 30:36

Definitely a combination. The the whistles uh get put away to an extent, and I think that's the way it should be. Uh, you don't want soft calls. I think the more five on five, the better. And I I think our team did a really good job of not uh crossing the line. I think uh we we have some physical guys that that know the right time and place to finish checks or to to be involved after whistles and uh against Ontario, I thought the discipline was excellent.

SPEAKER_01 31:07

Andrew John, to you, sir.

SPEAKER_00 31:09

You know, speaking of physical guys, John, I know you and Jacob Melonson um have uh worked together now a few years and you guys have uh been been friends. And I was just curious, uh after he spent you know a good chunk of the season with with Seattle, if you could speak to just uh his influence coming back. And it seems like his presence has been a nice little boost for you guys, even in uh you know, even for a team that's already was already playing well uh without him.

SPEAKER_04 31:42

He's done such a good job. I mean, we were roommates uh his rookie year on the road, and uh he he's just done such a good job of identifying his role. And the way he plays is it's hard to find guys that hit like that, still see the game well, um, still can play with skill and play with skilled players. Um, so uh yeah, definitely proud of the way he's progressed. And uh when he's been down here, it's been it's it's been uh he's been dangerous. He's it's physical and and and can also be uh very productive. So um I his the growth's been tremendous and he's got a bright future.

SPEAKER_01 32:23

John will wrap up with this. If you were a media member, we typically conclude with uh predictions all around, but I think I know better than to ask you for that kind of specificity. Nonetheless, I guess I will personally say that for what you guys have accomplished, we we we sensed and when I say the royal we I don't think I'm alone in that there there was a sense that this team you touched upon it, and there was a little bit of a roller coaster year, but more than a time or two, this team touched upon and tapped into its true potential to be playing what is arguably your best hockey at the most important time of the year is very encouraging. Sky seems the limit for this team. Again, in lieu of the prediction, I'll just ask you a little compare and a little contrast to from uh Ontario rather and to what we're gonna see with the Colorado Eagles.

SPEAKER_04 33:12

Both good teams. Again, we talked about how there's uh ton of parity in our division. Um so um we again we've we've prepared against elite lines against Pickersfield and Ontario, and it's gonna be the same thing. They have some elite players, and uh we have to be ready for that. But like you said, we're we seem to be peaking at a uh a great time, and um we have a lot of confidence. And um, I have a good feeling about the the locker room and and the vibes that we have right now.

SPEAKER_01 33:40

Shad powers closing question for John Haid.

SPEAKER_05 33:43

Uh I thought you were gonna put me on the spot and have me make a prediction. Well, you can do that too.

SPEAKER_01 33:47

Feel free.

SPEAKER_05 33:48

Prediction. Um well I like to hear what I like to hear what John just said that the that the locker room is confident, you know, we can be confident as media members or fans watching, but to to hear that like in the locker room, there's sort of uh increasing confidence. I mean, they were always confident, I'm guessing, but like, you know, that's encouraging to hear. That that makes me feel pretty confident about this next series as well. I guess my question is though, for John, is when you're when you're um breaking down film or whatever of an opposing team, what are you you personally looking at? Are you looking at like specific, you know, individuals on the other team that might be going against you defensively or schemes? I mean, what kind of things are you breaking down in your mind when you're watching film?

SPEAKER_04 34:31

Some of it depends on on matches. Um, we've we've had at times um some some hard matchups, um, and then other times we've we've kind of just rolled four lines. Um, and of course it depends for home or on the road. Uh for me, I like uh watching um, or at least like understanding the defensive zone systems that teams play, because then it sort of it can dictate um some of the ozone possession, which what what when I'm at my best, there's a a lot of a lot of that, and um just you know understanding if it's man on man or um what what type of center reads they have. So um those are some of the things, but uh generally laxing the staff, just do do a general prep for us and um and then once we get that out of the way, we can really just focus on ourselves.

SPEAKER_01 35:21

Andrew John, closing question for John Deed.

SPEAKER_00 35:25

Uh not really a question. I'll just say, you know, John, it's been incredibly fun to uh watch them, you know, the the growth of this team over the course of the season. I don't think we've ever last year there was another young group which grew, of course, and that was fun as well. But I feel like uh this year it's just uh been a next level of of the growth that we've seen from some of these guys and from the group as a whole, and so we're all really looking forward to seeing how the the next round shakes out for you guys.

SPEAKER_03 35:57

I appreciate that, Andrew. Thanks so much, Chad. Shad, it's been a pleasure. Thanks for having me on.

SPEAKER_01 36:03

Thanks for your time, and of course, there's no cheering in the press box, John, but I think we can all cumulatively say, go birds and go get those eagles, man.

SPEAKER_04 36:12

I appreciate it. Hopefully, my phone stays cool.

SPEAKER_01 36:16

Let's all keep it cool in 110. Gents, appreciate all of your time. Look forward to the series ahead.

SPEAKER_00 36:23

Thanks. All right, thanks, John. Thanks.

SPEAKER_01 36:47

Presented by Desert Willow Golf Resort. So appreciative of your time, your interest, your ears, your ongoing support of this endeavor. As long as the Firebirds go, so does Fire and Ice. Equal gratitude goes to this episode's guest, our fellows from the Desert Sun newspaper, both Shad Powers and Andrew John. Special thanks, of course, go to John Hayden, Firebirds Forward, for jumping in at the semi-remedia roundtable, rather. For the Desert Sun, you can find all the local news, events, sports, politics, coverage, festivals. Firebirds, certainly. Get it online at DesertSun.com. Or heck, just go out and get yourself a physical, tangible newspaper. People still do that, by the way. Desert Willow Golf Resort, also right here in sunny palm desert, California, home to the Mountain View and Fire Cliff courses, respectively. Get those tea times online today for either or both courses at Desert Willow.com. And hey, when you're on there poking around, be sure to check out the excellent and on-site Palm Desert Golf Academy for all your swing, lesson tutelage, and knowledge needs. So, programming note, Desert Willow, they host so many great events and tournaments. They do so many wonderful things on their property. A particularly interesting one taking place next week. Be mindful if you're looking to get out, because they've got the Division III Women's National Championships taking place over several days. I want to say it's Tuesday through Saturday. It's taking place on both courses. I think it's the first time in like a half century these championships specifically have been played in West Texas. So, hey, if you're looking to get out over at DW, as we all are often want to do, as we all should want to do, be mindful of that scheduling. But again, check it all out at desertwillow.com. Our Firebirds Freeze Frame segment sponsors, both our friends at the Ground Squirrel, that's G R N D SQRL, and the 29 Palms Beer Company. Great to have those folks on board this season. Those are your uh high desert hockey homes, by the way. And of course, up at 29 Palms and the 29 Palms Beer Company, just as a reminder, that's where you can go to watch every Firebirds home game televised, whether it be home or away. Can editorialize and specify that as every Firebirds playoff televised game right now. Great place to check out some birds hockey with one of those phenomenal beers that they craft right on site. Heard the schedule again, friends, for the specific division finals CV versus the Colorado Eagles. Gets underway this week, this Wednesday night, May 13th. Birds hosting Eagles at Aperture Arena in this best of five series, 7 p.m. start. Game two this Friday, May 15th, also a 7 p.m. puck drop. The 2-3 format then shifts to Colorado. Game three is Sunday, May 17th, 5 p.m. Pacific Start Time. Move into the asterisk. Game 4, if needed, would be next Wednesday, May 20th, 6 p.m. Pacific Start. Game 5 also, if needed. Next Friday, May 22nd, 6 p.m. puck drop. Those looking for tickets, of course, can do so at cvfirebirds.com. Want to see as many butts in those Aperture Arena seats as possible. As we look to uh to see if the birds can extend the season yet again, make it back to those Western Conference finals. Until then, thanks everybody again for tuning in. As always, be well.