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
- June 20, 2025 - Glass and Out: Calgary Flames Assistant Coach Brad Larsen: Leaning on faith, setting the standard and blooming where you’re planted
- June 06, 2025 - Glass and Out: Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Dan Muse: Takes no talent, setting high coaching aspirations and creating chaos in practice
- May 30, 2025 - Glass and Out: Former NHL Head Coach Greg Cronin: The illumination of player development, creating reliable players and forechecking tactics