Coachella Valley Firebirds Re-Sign ECHL Champion

The Coachella Valley Firebirds have re-signed Jake McLaughlin to an AHL deal.

The 28-year-old left-handed defenseman won the Kelly Cup, awarded to the champions of the ECHL with the Florida Everblades before joining the Seattle Kraken's franchise prior to the 2022-23 season. With the Kansas City Mavericks last year he scored three goals and 14 points in 51 games. He also played in 20 ECHL playoff games with the Mavericks in their loss to the Everblades.

The 6'2, 190 lbs defender played four seasons with the UMass of the NCAA before joining the Henderson Silver Knights, the Vegas Golden Knights' AHL affiliate. In his NCAA career, he recorded 10 goals and 42 points in 138 games.

McLaughlin is hoping to carve out a full-time role with the Firebirds next season. With some players leaving and Ryker Evans graduating to the NHL, there will be opportunities for players to fight for spots and McLaughlin will be one of those players.

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