The primary minor league affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, beginning play in 2022-23, will be the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League, based in Palm Desert with a new 10,000-seat arena going up nearby interstate 10.
The Firebirds, starting next season, will function as the primary talent supply of players to the Kraken from the minor league level of professional hockey, playing within a seven-hour drive or less with fellow AHL teams such as the Ontario Reign, San Diego Gulls, Bakersfield Condors, Stockton Heat, San Jose Barracuda, Henderson Silver Knights, and Tucson Roadrunners.
On the day of the Firebirds announcing their team name, colors and logo, their president, Steve Fraser, shared his vision, connecting with the Kraken, and future rival with Kraken studio host Mike Benton.