Pro hockey player Ben Meyers embraces fan excitement and a flexible mindset
The Coachella Valley Firebirds forward starts his third year in the pros
By: Alison Elsner
For pro hockey player Ben Meyers, life in a transient state is just part of the overall hockey experience.
The forward for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, part of the American Hockey League (AHL), was signed to begin the 2024–25 season in the Coachella Valley in July, as part of his contract with the Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) of the National Hockey League (NHL). He formerly played for the Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks, prior to which he played college ice hockey at the University of Minnesota. The Firebirds play home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California.
Meyers notes, “Anyone under NHL contract can be recalled by the parent team at any time,” just as he was recalled by Seattle to play with the Kraken on November 17. Remaining philosophical, he said, “I play where they need me.”
Meyers explains that he’s been pleasantly surprised by the desert reception since he arrived in the fall. He said, “There’s such a strong sense of community and so many fans all over the area. It’s great to see the bumper stickers, shirts and hats when I’m out and about. Plus, we get such great crowds at the rink. I can feel the excitement.”
Meyers’ arrival coincides with the appointment of Derek Laxdal as new head coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds for the 2024-25 season.
Growing up in Delano, Minnesota, Meyers said, “Hockey is a game I’ve played my entire life, and I’ve always had a love for the sport. Playing pro hockey started to become a dream of mine, so my goal was to get a scholarship in college. By working hard, I started to realize that a hockey career was an option. It all happened organically.”
Meyers joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) University of Minnesota Golden Gophers from the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL) where he was an alternate captain and helped the Force win the Clark Cup in 2018. He was named to the Big Ten All-Freshmen Team, and in his sophomore season in 2020–21, he was named an alternate captain, while juggling a major in entrepreneurial management.
In 2021–22, his junior year, Meyers was named the team’s captain. He was named to the Academic All-Big Ten, Academic All-District, Second Team All-America selection, 2021-22 Big Ten Player of the Year, First Team All-Big Ten selection and an NCAA All-Regional Team pick.
In April, 2022, Meyers signed a two-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL), and in March, 2024, he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks.
He was selected to represent the United States in the men’s tournament at the 2022 Winter Olympics, alongside teammates Brock Faber and Matthew Knies, where he scored two goals and four points, second on Team USA.
On May 5, 2022, Meyers was named to the United States team to compete at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. He recorded four goals and four assists in ten games.
Acknowledging limitations on his free time, Meyers tries to fit in a game of golf when he can. He said, “I’ve played golf pretty much my whole life. I really enjoy the Classic Club and PGA West. I’ll have more time later, as early in the season it’s much busier.”
Meyers has learned to live with the fact that his life situation could change at any time, depending on his contract. He said, “Being signed to a one year contract each year means lots of moving around. Plus, I could get traded, so I just have to be mobile. It’s a lot to get used to, but I’ve learned to appreciate the good parts of the job.”
When asked about those good parts of the job, Meyers said “I love hockey, and getting to work with teammates is probably the greatest part. Beyond that, I’m getting paid for working out and staying in shape, which is all positive.”
Meyers is eagerly anticipating an upcoming visit from his father this spring. He also looks forward to three months off in the summer where he can visit his parents in Minnesota, go fishing and play golf.
Meyers said, “It’s not the home I grew up in, because my parents decided they wanted to move. Delano was great, but it’s a very small town, and now my parents get to enjoy lakeside living, and when I visit so do I. Plus I get to look after their golden doodle.”
He also savors periodic visits with his brother, Nate, who played baseball at Minnesota State University then went into missionary work and is currently enrolled in a masters of psychology program in Colorado.
Asked about his preference for staying put in the desert or moving, Meyers said, “It depends so much on the opportunities. I think I just have to roll with the punches and stay flexible.”
Meyers concludes, “One takes the good with the bad.” He’s possibly hit upon the secret to life for all of us.
Coachella Valley Firebirds
Acrisure Arena, 75702 Varner Road, Palm Desert
760.835.8778, CVFirebirds.com, @Firebirds