The Coachella Valley Firebirds had a challenging and eventful week with three games against strong competition. Their performances highlighted their offensive prowess, resilience, and areas for improvement as they aimed to solidify their position in the AHL’s Pacific Division.
November 26, 2024: Firebirds Dominate Roadrunners, 8-2
In one of their most decisive wins of the season, the Firebirds defeated the Tucson Roadrunners 8-2. Tucson struck first with two goals early in the first period, but Coachella Valley responded with a relentless offensive display. Nik Brouillard shone with a four-point night, including a goal and three assists, as the Firebirds piled on three goals within four minutes to take the lead before the end of the first period. Ryan Winterton contributed two goals, while Jagger Firkus and Max McCormick added to the onslaught. Ville Ottavainen set a franchise record with a +5 rating, and goaltender Ales Stezka made 27 saves to ensure the win. This victory extended the Firebirds' point streak to eight games, emphasizing their strength as a top contender in the division.
November 27, 2024: Roadrunners Edge Firebirds in Overtime, 4-3 (OT)
In a tightly contested rematch, the Firebirds fell to the Tucson Roadrunners 4-3 in overtime. Mitchell Stephens starred for Coachella Valley with two goals, including a shorthanded tally in the first period. Logan Morrison also found the back of the net in the second, assisted by Lleyton Roed and Nik Brouillard. Tucson’s offense, led by goals from Austin Poganski, Kevin Connauton, Ben McCartney, and Andrew Agozzino, proved too much for the Firebirds to overcome. Agozzino’s overtime winner at 3:37 sealed the victory for Tucson after a scoreless third period. Despite the loss, Coachella Valley showed resilience, particularly on special teams, and continued to highlight their depth and scoring abilities.
firebirds strike first 😎 pic.twitter.com/7tWElwaDSR
— Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) November 28, 2024
November 30, 2024: Firebirds Fall to Texas Stars, 4-3 (SO)
The Coachella Valley Firebirds faced a tough 4-3 loss to the Texas Stars in an intense game that showcased both teams' resilience. John Hayden opened the scoring for Coachella Valley in the first period with a goal assisted by Max McCormick. The Firebirds extended their lead in the second with a goal by Ben Meyers, but the Stars rallied with two goals from Chase Wheatcroft and Curtis McKenzie to tie the game heading into the third. In the final minutes of regulation, Matej Blümel scored to give Texas the lead. The Firebirds responded quickly, with McCormick netting the equalizer in the final minute. Despite pushing the game to overtime, Coachella Valley couldn’t capitalize, and the Stars held on for the win. McCormick’s multipoint night and solid contributions from Meyers and Cale Fleury stood out for the Firebirds in a valiant effort.
Key performances
- Nik Brouillard: A standout performance on November 26 with a four-point game, including his first goal as a Firebird.
- Mitchell Stephens: scored two goals, including a shorthanded effort in the overtime loss on November 27, and added a goal and an assist in the November 26 win.
- Ville Ottavainen: Anchored the defense with a record-setting +5 rating on November 26 and contributed key plays throughout the week.
As the Firebirds head into December, they are determined to build on their momentum and make a strong push to climb higher in the competitive Pacific Division standings as they enter the next phase of the AHL season.