Seattle GM Ron Francis Updates All Things Kraken (Part 7 Of 7)
The Seattle Kraken's first-year AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, play a one-game, winner-take-all for the Calder Cup tonight against the Hershey Bears.
Kraken GM Ron Francis recently spoke about how his top farm team had to persevere when Seattle raided the roster for their own playoff run.
"They had an incredible season. It was a little tough for them at the end with our situation. We called up (Jesper) Froden, we called up (John) Hayden. Unfortunately, John got hurt."
The Emergence Of Tye Kartye
The Kraken in the postseason also "borrowed" rookie sensation Tye Kartye. "I think you, like us, were impressed with the performance by Tye Kartye at the end of the year, so that's exciting," Francis said.
"Tye went through the American League for the year. He started with a limited 3rd, 4th line role that built his confidence. By the time he came here, we were able to plug him right into a very similar role here in the NHL that he was playing in the American League."
Once the Kraken were eliminated, "We returned Tye and Fro" to Coachella Valley.
Ryker Evans Showing Why He Was A #2 Kraken Draft Pick
Another major asset for the Firebirds has been defenseman Ryker Evans, Seattle's 2021 2nd round pick.
"He made the (AHL) All-Rookie Team and was the All-Star rep for the team down there. His game has gotten better and better. He's an effortless skater.
"I was there for Game 5 (of Coachella Valley's AHL series) against Colorado. I thought he was lights out. I was saying to Dave (Hakstol), there was maybe one mistake that he made. It was not the wrong thought process, it was just the execution.
"His defensive game is coming along. Wasn't perfect, but eats a lot of minutes. He's putting up points, scored the game winner that night in triple overtime, so he's had a heck of a year.
"He makes the All-Rookie Team, Tye (Kartye) makes the All-Rookie Team. Tye's the rookie of the year down there; and we might be a little biased, but we're leaning towards Matty (Beniers) as the rookie here up top.* So there's a lot of good kids, and certainly Ryker is a big piece of that."
*Editor's Note: Beniers is a finalist for the NHL's Calder Trophy, awarded to the league's top rookie. The winner will be announced at the NHL Awards ceremony in Nashville June 26.
Hockey Can Work In The Desert
Home attendance for the Firebirds was near the top of the 32-team AHL. "It's been well received in the community," Francis said. "The attendance has been outstanding, the team has had success, which has really helped in that regard."
"Talked to all the guys down there, they love playing there. The weather is pretty good all winter long. Maybe your biggest concern is asking the coach to move practice up to 10:00 a.m., so you can get 18 holes in before the sun goes down in the winter."