Firebirds Fan Zone Podcast

We had a great time touring the BUZZBOX facility and sitting with BUZZBOX founder, Rod Vanderbos. From an innocent comment at a beach picnic to a simple idea on a cocktail napkin, the story of the BUZZBOX empire and its connection to our Coachella Valley Firebirds is fascinating. Enjoy this look behind the curtain and into the world of BUZZBOX! 

This week, we sat with inaugural season Firebirds Defenseman, Matt Tennyson. Of course we talked about his childhood and about his time with the Firebirds and the extraordinary inaugural season. Then we really got to know Matt as a person - a regular guy who plays tennis, cooks, and is something of a tequila aficionado. If you thought you likes Matt before, you are gonna love him after this episode!  

We sat with Billy Rodriguez, founder of Silvercrest, a premier sponsor of the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Acrisure Arena. We learned all about how he started his company with $25 and a dream and has built a globally successful powerhouse, and, of course, his love of the Firebirds!

For this very special pre-Thanksgiving episode, we were honored to sit down with NHL Hall-of-Fame Goaltender, Grant Fuhr. This six time all star, five time Stanley Cup winner, and unrivaled hockey legend turned out to be the absolute nicest, most humble guy you can imagine. Nothing was off limits and we discussed as much as we could - and we barely scratched the surface. Grab some popcorn and enjoy.

This week, we sat with local TV legend and face of the Firebirds on TV, Gino LaMont. We get a good look at his path to success - and incredible luck - and we do a deep dive into just how challenging it is to produce a professional hockey broadcast.

We sat down again with AHL Off-Ice Official and lifelong hockey lover, Ed Heethuis. This time we talk about the game itself, rules, strategies, penalties, and more. This is the perfect episode for new hockey fans. After this fun and informative episode, you will see the game within the game and you will never see the game the same!

This week we sat with the Firebirds' "Hype Man," Tim O'Brien. His official title may be "In-Arena Host" but he is the Hype Man for all of us.  We talk about the wild ride he took to get to Acrisure and we get a good look behind the scenes at the contests, trivia, and in-arena fun - and, maybe, some deets on Fuego. 

We sat down with Firebirds Forward, Kole Lind. We talked about his journey from Peewee to professional hockey and his path to being a fan favorite in the Coachella Valley. We dig deep into the inaugural season and take a look at the 2023-24 season. He also spills some tea. It's a fun one.

Wow! This kid's parents raised him right! This week we sat down with Coachella Valley Firebirds Defenseman, #41, Ryker Evans. He is one of the nicest people we've ever met. We talked about how he grew up playing hockey in Calgary and what it was like to be drafted into the NHL. We talked about that amazing inaugural season, and we got to dig deep behind the scenes for a rookie and much, much more! 

In this episode we go deep with the Ice Plant manager for Acrisure Arena  - he's the one who makes the ice happen, without RJ, there can be no hockey. He was there as the arena was being built, that's HIS house! We talk about his lifelong love of hockey and how he fought - literally - his way through. How the heck does the Zamboni work and where do you learn to drive one?