For the second straight season, the Coachella Valley Firebirds are headed to the Western Conference Finals. The Firebirds defeated the Ontario Reign on Sunday at Toyota Arena by the final score of 3-2 to complete the three-game sweep. Kole Lind scored twice to help the Firebirds comeback from a 2-0 deficit and win the best-of-five series 3-0.

Ontario scored twice in the opening period on goals from Alex Turcotte and Tyler Madden, putting Coachella Valley in an early hole to begin the game. After being outshot 5-0 to begin the second period, forward Kole Lind lasered a shot over the shoulder of Reign netminder Erik Portillo to get Coachella Valley on the board. The goal was Lind’s second of the playoffs and was assisted by Max McCormick and Ville Ottavainen at 5:41.

Coachella Valley pulled even at the 11:37 mark of the middle frame on a blast from Jimmy Schuldt that was deflected in front of the net. Luke Henman and Jacob Melanson helped muscle the puck up the boards to Schuldt at the blueline for his second goal of the postseason. 

With the game even after two periods of play, the Firebirds set the pace early in period three. Andrew Poturalski worked the puck behind the Reign net and found Lind wide open in front to give the Firebirds their first lead of the game just 46 seconds into the third. Up by a goal in the closing minutes, Coachella Valley took a penalty and Ontario pulled their goaltender to set up a 6-on-4. Chris Driedger made a flurry of saves and was aided by blocks from defensemen to help the Firebirds hang on and win 3-2. 

The victory is the Firebirds’ sixth straight and propels them into the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season. Coachella Valley will face the winner of the still ongoing Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Milwaukee Admirals series.

The Firebirds were outshot 24-23. The Firebirds’ powerplay finished the game 0-for-3 and the penalty kill went 2-for-2. 

Information on dates/times for the next round are to be announced.

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

POSTSEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Tickets for the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs at Acrisure Arena are on sale now! Visit Ticketmaster to get your tickets before it’s too late!

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.