Glass and Out: Coachella Valley Firebirds Head Coach Derek Laxdal: Improving the skill of defending, handling a tough loss and staying optim

Episode Description
In episode #287, Head Coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Derek Laxdal, stops by. His coaching career has seen him climb from the now defunct Western Professional Hockey League, to the Central Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, to the Western Hockey League, the American League and finally, to the show. During that time, he's successfully navigated the ebbs and flows of his coaching journey with his trademark optimism and enthusiam. Today, Laxdal is the Head Coach of the AHL affiliate to the Seattle Kraken. No different than any other team hes coached, he has the Birds in contention as they make their way towards another playoff run. Listen as he shares why the skill of defending is lacking in today's young player, how to change the narritive after a tough loss, and how to stay optimistic through the challenges of a coaching career.
Last Three Posts
- March 27, 2025 - Glass and Out: DB Hockey Factory Founder Daniel Broberg: Developing good posture, players facing adversity and finding the flow state
- March 20, 2025 - Glass and Out: NCAA Head Coach Dave Smith: Positive message to players, evolution of the royal road and following your passion
- March 15, 2025 - Glass and Out: Tappara Head Coach Rikard Grönborg: Always choosing the challenge, encouraging decision making and failure over cowardice