The Firebirds defeated the Henderson Silver Knights in front of a sold-out crowd on Kids Day, presented by 1^st Bank, by the final score of 6-1. Max McCormick scored twice in the victory that padded Coachella Valley’s lead in the Pacific Division (64 points).

Cameron Hughes netted the lone goal in the opening period. Ryan Winterton found Hughes in the slot where he ripped home his 14th of the season 4:37 into the first period. Mitch Reinke earned the secondary assist.

The Firebirds scored three times in a 2:46 span in the second period. Max McCormick finished off a pretty passing play set up by Andrew Poturalski and Ville Ottavainen to make it a 2-0 game at 5:12 of the middle frame for his first goal of the game and 22^nd of the season. Jimmy Schuldt cashed in on a rebound for his second tally of the season, assisted by Ottavainen and Devin Shore. McCormick redirected a Cale Fleury shot that snuck through Silver Knights’ goale Isaiah Saville for his second strike of the game. Jacob Melanson was credited with the second helper.

Henderson scored shorthanded to spoil Ales Stezka’s shutout halfway through the third period thanks to a Mason Geertsen goal but Coachella Valley responded with a pair of goals, another from Jimmy Schuldt and the 11th of the year for Marian Studenic coming with 1:02 left to make it 6-1.

Ales Stezka made 19 saves in the victory that moves Coachella Valley’s record to 29-13-4-2 and extends their lead in the Pacific Division. The Firebirds finished 0-for-4 on the powerplay and the penalty kill went 1-for-1.

10,087 Firebirds faithful were in attendance as Acrisure Arena saw its sixth sell out of the season.

For the game’s full box score, click HERE.

TICKET UPGRADE

Looking to enhance your experience for a Firebirds game? Upgrade any ticket for access to The Compound, the newest VIP space at Acrisure Arena offering fans access to a stunning outdoor space featuring private bar, food, exclusive Firebirds merchandise options, covered seating, firepits along with access to a variety of backyard games from putt-putt and pickleball to cornhole and bocce ball and more! Upgrade options are available at the game or online at Ticketmaster.

NEXT HOME GAME

After a pair of road games on Wednesday in San Jose and Friday in Ontario, the Firebirds return home to face the San Jose Barracuda on Wednesday, February 28th for Tradesperson Appreciation Night. Celebrating all tradespeople in the workforce! Puck drop is set for 7 p,m. Head to Ticketmaster to lock in your seat before it’s too late. Get the game early to receive Red Alert Glowsticks, courtesy of the General Air Conditioning and Plumbing. Don’t forget to purchase parking in advance online at ParkWhiz.

Don’t miss a moment of Coachella Valley Firebirds’ hockey! Group, Flex, and Individual tickets for remainder of the 2023-24 season are on sale now! For more information on ticket options, click HERE or call 760-835-8778.

Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.