The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Henderson Silver Knights on Saturday Night at the Dollar Loan Center by the final score of 3-2. Andrew Poturalski, Kole Lind, and Ville Ottavainen all scored to help lead the team to their 40th win of the season.

Andrew Poturalski netted the game’s first goal on a 2-on-1 with Kole Lind. Max McCormick earned the secondary assist on Poturalski’s 14th of the season just 4:44 into the first period. Ryan Dzingel tied the game for Henderson at 8:24 but it was quickly followed up with a Coachella Valley response. Lind rifled a shot over the shoulder of Isaiah Saville to put his team back on top. The goal was Lind’s 15th of the year and second point of the game. 

The two teams exchanged 14 shots in the second period, including a penalty shot try for the Silver Knights’ Adam Cracknell that was stopped by Chris Driedger, but Firebirds were the only team to capitalize in the middle frame. Ville Ottavainen took a wrist shot from the right point that traveled through a sea of bodies and hit the back of the net for his eighth of the season. Mitch Reinke and Ville Petman were credited with the assist on Ottavainen’s strike at 19:26. 

Sheldon Rempal scored late in the third period to pull the Silver Knights within one. Henderson pulled Saville for the extra attacker and Coachella Valley fended off the 6-on-5 to pick up the victory.

Chris Driedger made 24 saves to earn his 21st win of the season. The Firebirds outshot the Silver Knights 36-26.

The victory moves Coachella Valley’s record to 40-14-5-4 and gives them points in 15 of their last 16 games. The two points earned also helps the Firebirds maintain a 10-point lead in the Pacific Division standings.

Coachella Valley’s powerplay finished the game 0-for-3 while the penalty kill went 2-for-2.

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

NEXT HOME GAME

The Firebirds return to Acrisure Arena to face the San Jose Barracuda on Thursday, April 4th. Head to Ticketmaster to lock in your seat before it’s too late. Don’t forget to purchase parking in advance online at ParkWhiz. Puck drop is set for 7pm PT.

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 by clicking HERE.

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.