The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the San Jose Barracuda on Thursday Night at Acrisure Arena by the final score of 3-1. The Firebirds scored three times in the third period to overcome a 1-0 deficit and down San Jose for the seventh time this season.

The game’s first goal was scored by the Barracuda in the second period on a redirection from Tanner Kaspick. Kaspick got a piece of a Jeremie Bucheler shot to put San Jose ahead at 4:53 of the middle frame. 

The Firebirds answer didn’t come until 6:43 into the third period. Jacob Melanson grabbed the puck and drove to the front of the net, beating Georgi Romanov and tying the game with his sixth of the season. Connor Carrick and Luke Henman earned the assists. Just after a Coachella Valley powerplay ended, Ville Ottavainen came off the bench and let a shot go from the blueline. The drive deflected off Cameron Hughes past Romanov to give the Firebirds their first lead of the game. Tucker Robertson was credited with the secondary assist on Hughes’ 23rd of the season. 

Kole Lind gave the Firebirds some insurance as he recorded his 60th point of the season on his 16th of the season. Cale Fleury and Gustav Olofsson helped Lind net the goal that made it a 3-1 game with 2:08 remaining in the third period.

The Firebirds outshot the Barracuda 42-35. Chris Driedger made 34 saves to earn his 22^nd win of the season.

The win moves Coachella Valley’s record to 41-14-5-4. The Firebirds powerplay finished the game 0-for-5 and the penalty kill went 3-for-3. The Firebirds’ lead in the Pacific Division returns to 10 points and the magic number to clinch to division’s top seed is down to five.

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

NEXT HOME GAME

After a pair of games in Abbotsford, the Firebirds return home to face the Ontario Reign on Wednesday, April 10th. It’s another $5 Beer Night! 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.