After a tough start to the week, the Coachella Valley Firebirds bounced back, taking three consecutive wins and improving their record to 6-5. Here’s a game-by-game breakdown of the Firebirds' action this week:
November 5, 2024
Record: 3-4
Result: 0-5 Loss vs. Colorado Eagles
The Colorado Eagles dominated throughout, opening with a power-play goal in the first and adding four more across the second and third periods. Their scoring was led by contributions from Olausson, Senden, Wise, Rosen, and Megna, each capitalizing on strong setups from teammates like Matthew Phillips and Calle Rosen. Despite Coachella Valley’s efforts, the Firebirds couldn’t find the scoreboard, resulting in a decisive loss to the Eagles.
November 6, 2024
Record: 3-5
Result: 3-2 Win vs. Colorado Eagles
The Firebirds turned the game around the following night, starting with a strong response to Colorado’s second-period power-play goal. Lleyton Roed’s quick equalizer, followed by goals from Jagger Firkus and John Hayden, gave Coachella Valley the lead. Firkus, pivotal in both scoring and playmaking, earned the game’s 1st star with a go ahead goal. Despite a late push from the Eagles, the Firebirds clinched a narrow victory, showcasing resilience and offensive depth.
- 1st Star: Jagger Firkus – 1 goal
- 3rd Star: Lleyton Roed – 1 goal
November 8, 2024
Record: 4-5
Result: 4-3 Win vs. Ontario Reign
In a thrilling, back-and-forth battle with Ontario, the Firebirds struck first with an early power-play goal from Eduard Sale, assisted by Firkus and Fleury. Ontario fought back, briefly taking the lead in the second period. Coachella Valley answered in the third, with Ville Ottavainen tying the game and Jani Nyman scoring to regain the advantage. Jagger Firkus delivered an outstanding 1st-star performance, adding a goal and two assists, including the game-sealing goal, to lead the Firebirds to victory.
- 1st Star: Jagger Firkus – 1 goal, 2 assists
- 3rd Star: Ville Ottavainen – 1 goal
November 10, 2024
Record: 5-5
Result: 4-2 Win vs. Ontario Reign
The Firebirds closed the week with an impressive 4-2 win over Ontario. After a strong start with Tucker Robertson’s opening goal, Ontario responded with two from Martin Chromiak. Coachella Valley regained control in the second with goals from Ville Ottavainen and Ryan Winterton. Lleyton Roed sealed the victory with an empty-net goal. Goalie Ales Stezka was stellar, stopping 37 of 39 shots and earning 1st star honors. Contributions from Winterton and Eduard Sale helped secure the win, pushing the Firebirds above .500.
- 1st Star: Ales Stezka – 39 SA, 37 SV
- 2nd Star: Ryan Winteron – 1 goal, 1 assist
- 3rd Star: Eduard Sale – 2 assists
The Firebirds head into next week with momentum, thanks to clutch performances from Firkus and Stezka. Stay tuned for next week’s recap to see if they can extend their winning streak!