Studenic’s Four-Point Night Leads Coachella Valley to Points in Nine Straight Games
The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Tucson Roadrunners in front of a sold-out crowd at Acrisure Arena by the final score of 7-2. Marian Studenic recorded four points (1G, 3A) and Ales Stezka stopped 28 of 29 shots in relief to help extend the Firebirds point streak to nine straight games.
The Firebirds opened the scoring five minutes into the game as Kole Lind lit the lamp. Lind’s wrist shot beat Matt Villalta to put Coachella Valley on top for his 12th of the season with Max McCormick and Andrew Poturalski earning the assists. Coachella Valley added a second goal 50 seconds later on Cameron Hughes’ 17th goal of the year. Ville Ottavainen was credited with the lone assist at 5:49. Tucson pulled within one at 13:26 on a Cameron Crotty goal.
Ales Stezka replaced Chris Driedger after the first period and turned away 16 of 17 shots in the middle frame. The Firebirds extended their lead to 3-1 as John Hayden took a slapshot from the top of the circle for his 11th of the season. Marian Studenic earned his first of four points on the night with the only assist on the goal. The Roadrunners responded just 17 seconds later to make it a one-goal game once again.
The Firebirds netted four goals in the third period to pull away from the Roadrunners. Marian Studenic (Luke Henman, Ryan Winterton – 3:11), Max McCormick (Andrew Poturalski, Kole Lind – 5:43), Ryan Winterton (Shane Wright, Marian Studenic – 6:54), and John Hayden (Wright, Studenic – 14:46) all hit the back of the net to help Coachella Valley cruise to a 7-2 win.
The victory moves Coachella Valley’s record to 35-13-5-3 and gives them points in 19 of their last 20 games. The Firebirds finished 0-for-2 on the powerplay and the penalty kill went 3-for-3.
The Firebirds were outshot 39-30. The win also extends the Firebirds’ lead in the Pacific Division standings to nine points and keeps their lead in the Western Conference to three.
For the game’s full box score, click HERE.
NEXT HOME GAME
After a game on the road on Friday, March 15th in Ontario, the Firebirds return home to face the Texas Stars on Wednesday, March 20th for $5 Beer Night and Saturday, March 23rd for Military Apprecition Night, presented by Spotlight 29 and Tortoise Rock Casino. The first 6,500 fans in attendance will receive a Military-themed Firebirds bucket hat. Head to Ticketmaster to lock in your seat before it’s too late. Don’t forget to purchase parking in advance online at ParkWhiz.
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.
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! Season Tickets Memberships for 2024-25 are also on sale! For more information on ticket options, click HERE or call 760-835-8778.
Get a jump on the 2024-25 Firebirds season with season tickets on sale now! In addition to all Firebirds home games, season ticket members will have access to the 2025 AHL All Star Classic presented by Spotlight 29, along with special events, gifts, and more! Click HERE to learn more about securing your seat for next season!
Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.