Coachella Valley Announces Leadership Group Ahead of Season Five
announced today that forward John Hayden has been named the second captain in franchise history. The team has also announced that Gustav Olofsson, Mitchell Stephens, Logan Morrison, and Ty Nelson have been named alternate captains for the 2026-27 season.
“From day one, John’s professionalism and competitive level have commanded respect,” said Troy Bodie, Firebirds’ General Manager. “He embodies what it means to be a Firebird, both on and off the ice. John has been an important part of what we’ve built here from the beginning, and he understands the standard and expectations that come with representing this organization. Together with our alternate captains, we have a strong leadership group that has earned the respect of the room and understands what is expected every day. We trust John and the rest of our leadership group to continue setting the standard for our team as we begin our fifth season.”
Hayden, 31, has been a member of the Firebirds since the team’s inception in 2022, playing in a franchise-high 223 regular season games. A native of Chicago, IL, Hayden netted 110 points (56 goals, 54 assists) in his four seasons with Coachella Valley. Hayden helped lead the team to back-to-back Western Conference Championships, recording 19 points in 46 postseason games.
“It’s an honor to be named captain of this team,” said Hayden. “I’ve been fortunate to be a part of this organization from the beginning, and I’ve seen firsthand how much the Firebirds mean to this community and how much gratitude comes with wearing this jersey. We have a great group of leaders in our room, and I’m proud to serve alongside our alternate captains. This organization has established a standard over the last four seasons, and our responsibility is to continue pushing that standard every day.”
Set to enter his 11th season of professional hockey, Hayden has played in 272 career NHL games, lacing up for the Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, and Seattle Kraken. The 6-foot-3, 223-pound forward also appeared in 24 games for the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs during the 2017-18 season.
Before joining the pro ranks, Hayden attended Yale University, racking up 91 points (50 goals, 41 assists) in 127 NCAA Division-I games. Hayden was named a multiple time NCAA All-Ivy League First and Second Team honoree and was the team’s captain during his senior season.
In addition to the captaincy announcement, the Firebirds have named Gustav Olofsson, Logan Morrison, Mitchell Stephens, and Ty Nelson alternate captains for the 2026-27 season.
Olofsson, an original member of the Firebirds, enters his fifth season with Coachella Valley after posting 32 points (four goals, 28 assists) in 48 regular season games last season. The defenseman has appeared in 170 regular season games with the Firebirds, totaling 67 points (nine goals, 58 assists).
Morrison enters his fourth season with Coachella Valley as the franchise’s all-time leader in points and assists, totaling 144 points (59 goals, 85 assists) in 204 regular season games. The forward led the Firebirds in scoring during the 2025-26 season with 61 points (29 goals, 32 assists) in 68 games.
Stephens enters his third season with Coachella Valley after recording 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 69 regular season games during the 2025-26 season.
Nelson also enters his third season with the Firebirds after recording 35 points (11 goals, 24 assists) in 63 games during the 2025-26 season. The defenseman has totaled 67 points (17 goals, 50 assists) in 135 regular season games with Coachella Valley.
Coachella Valley will open Season 5 during the Home Opener, presented by Acrisure, this Friday, October 2 against the Ontario Reign at Acrisure Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT. Get to the game early for a FREE jersey scarf giveaway, while supplies last. Click HERE for tickets.
Single Game Tickets Now Available!
Single game tickets for Season Five of Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey are on sale now. Fans can secure their seats for all Firebirds home games at Acrisure Arena by visiting Ticketmaster.com or the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena. For more information, visit CVFirebirds.com.
Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now!
Experience every moment of Season Five by becoming a Firebirds Season Ticket Member and receive complimentary admission to the preseason game! Members enjoy exclusive benefits including 25% off select food and beverage offerings, discounted parking, priority playoff access and exclusive team events, all while securing the best available seats for the 2026-27 season. Full Season Memberships are available now, click HERE to learn more and get your membership today!
Bring a Group to a Game!
Ready to experience Firebirds hockey with YOUR team? Whether you’re planning a company outing, school event, fundraiser, birthday celebration, or gathering with family and friends, groups of 10 or more receive exclusive savings and access to memorable gameday experiences. Click HERE to learn more and start planning your outing today.
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