The Firebirds and their NHL affiliate, the Seattle Kraken, both faced rough stretches this week—Coachella Valley dropped three straight to make it three in a row, while the Kraken saw their own losing skid extend to five. Despite the tough results, the Firebirds showed plenty of fight throughout each contest, and remain committed to bouncing back as the season marches on.
December 18, 2024: Firebirds unable to overcome Barracuda’s special teams in 5–2 loss
Coachella Valley got on the board early against the San Jose Barracuda—Logan Morrison scored just 34 seconds in—but the Barracuda power play proved unstoppable. Andrew Poturalski’s four-point night (1G, 3A) led San Jose to a 5–2 victory. John Hayden added a Firebirds power-play tally in the second, but multiple Barracuda strikes on the man advantage swung the game in San Jose’s favor.
December 20, 2024: Firebirds drop 4–1 decision to Ontario Reign
After opening the scoring on a first-period goal by Jani Nyman, the Firebirds could not maintain their advantage. Ontario tied the game before intermission and then pulled ahead on a Samuel Fagemo power-play goal early in the third. Two empty-net markers sealed the 4–1 win for the Reign. Despite the loss, goaltender Nikke Kokko turned aside 26 of 28 shots in an admirable effort.
🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/xf1e89pInn
— Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) December 21, 2024
December 21, 2024: Early lead slips away in 4–2 defeat to Reign
Coachella Valley came out flying, grabbing a 2–0 lead on goals by Lleyton Roed and Brandon Biro. However, a trio of Ontario Reign tallies in a seven-minute span flipped momentum in the second period. Shawn Element’s insurance marker in the third period secured the 4–2 decision for Ontario. The Firebirds left it all on the ice but couldn’t reclaim their early cushion.
Key performances
- Lleyton Roed: Registered a goal and an assist over the three-game stretch. His creativity and energy were on display in key offensive moments.
- Brandon Biro: Contributed both a goal and an assist for the week, highlighting his knack for creating scoring opportunities.
- Jani Nyman: Scored the lone Firebirds goal on December 20 and has been a consistent offensive threat, using his size and shot to generate quality chances.
The Firebirds showcased their depth and determination this week, even while results didn’t fall their way. With a resilient roster and a passion for growth, Coachella Valley will look to snap its losing streak and climb the Pacific Division standings once again.