The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Milwaukee Admirals in game one of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday night by the final score of 2-1. John Hayden netted a pair of goals and Chris Driedger stopped 37 of 38 shots to help give the Firebirds a 1-0 series lead.

Coachella Valley opened the scoring on their third powerplay of the first period. John Hayden received a pass from Cameron Hughes from below the goal line and ripped the puck over goaltender Troy Grosenick’s shoulder to make it 1-0. The goal was Hayden’s third of the playoffs and first of the game. The secondary assist was awarded to Connor Carrick at 14:55. 

After a goalless second period that showcased numerous saves from Chris Driedger, the Admirals finally found the equalizer 5:20 into the third. Zach L’Heureux netted his ninth goal of the playoffs on an odd man rush but Coachella Valley was quick to respond. Devin Shore snuck up the left wing and found Hayden on the backdoor to put the Firebirds back in front with 11:11 left in the third. Marian Studenic earned the second assist on Hayden’s second of the game. Coachella Valley held on to win game one 2-1. 

Coachella Valley finished the game 1-for-6 on the powerplay and went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. The Firebirds were outshot 38-30 in their seventh straight win.

Click HERE for the game’s final box score.

The Firebirds host the Milwaukee Admirals in game two of the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals on Friday, May 31st at 7pm PT. Don’t miss American Idol winner and Indio native Abi Carter as she sings the National Anthem and drops the ceremonial puck! 

Get $35 tickets with the Disco Dan Discount in honor of Firebirds Head Coach Dan Bylsma being named the next Head Coach of the Seattle Kraken! Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com or at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena, which will be open daily this week starting at 10am PT. 

Click HERE for updated box office hours and other postseason information. Box office hours subject to change.

Don’t forget to purchase parking and save 20% by paying in advance online at ParkWhiz.

WATCH PARTIES

#FuelTheFire with Spotlight 29, the official partner of the 2024 postseason. Join your fellow Firebirds fans while the team is on the road for the official team watch parties at the Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino! Doors open one hour prior to puck drop. The event is open to all ages.

GET YOUR GEAR!

The Firebirds team store is stocked with new playoff merchandise! Buy online in advance and skip the lines with priority pick-up options or stop by the team store outside of Acrisure Arena. Current hours are listed below:

Sun – Mon: Closed

Tues – Thurs: 11 am – 7 pm

Fri – Sat: 11 am – 8 pm

*Game Days: 10 am – 2 pm*

*Closed on Concert Days*

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 tickets are available for all 2024 postseason home games. For more information 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.