Coachella Valley Firebirds Hired Brennan Sonne as Assistant Coach

The Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Seattle Kraken American Hockey League affiliate, have hired Brennan Sonne as an assistant coach. After a stellar three-year tenure with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League, he joins new Coachella Valley head coach, Derek Luxdal.

“Brennan is a great addition to our coaching staff. He’s an up-and-coming coach who has a proven track record in the WHL of building relationships and developing players."

Sonne, 37, led the Saskatoon Blades to some very successful years. Over the last three seasons, he has amassed a record of 136-54-14, and three straight playoff appearances. Another great anecdote about Sonne is that he has been around the game of Hockey, in all corners of the world. He has Canada's Junior Hockey experience as a player, as well as a coach. He has also coached in France and even played in South China.

He brings a winning resume to Coachella Valley, who are looking to get over the hump of the Hershey Bears, who have upper-handed the Firebirds in back-to-back Calder Cups. Having been the runner-up in consecutive seasons, the Firebirds have pulled out all the stops to make sure it doesn't happen again.

With Dan Bylsma being promoted from Coachella Valley to take the helm of the Seattle Kraken, the roots have been laid for another successful year for the Firebirds. Additionally, we could see some top talent be promoted to the NHL club. Max McCormick jumps off the page, as he was incredible last season. Additionally, McCormack just signed a new two-year deal with the Kraken, so they must see him as a potential everyday NHL player.

Sonne will be a valuable asset for the Firebirds in 2024-25, and even more of an asset for the Seattle Kraken. Will he help bring a Calder Cup to the empty trophy case of Coachella Valley?