Coachella Valley Leads Best-of-Three First Round Series 1-0 After 3OT Marathon
The Firebirds defeated the Calgary Wranglers on Tuesday night at Acrisure Arena in Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs in triple overtime by the final score of 4-3. Mitchell Stephens scored two minutes into the third overtime to help Coachella Valley take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series against the Calgary Wranglers.
The Firebirds netted two goals in the first period. John Hayden’s wrist shot from the inside of the right circle ricocheted off Calgary goaltender Walterri Ignatjew to put Coachella Valley ahead 1-0. Jani Nyman and Logan Morrison earned the assists. Brandon Biro extended the Firebirds’ lead with a shot off the crossbar and in to make it 2-0 at 7:37. Jagger Firkus and Ben Meyers each worked behind the goal line find Biro in the slot and were credited with the helpers.
Coachella Valley’s Mitchell Stephens put his team ahead by three as he knocked home a loose puck off multiple deflections in front of the Calgary net. Nik Brouillard’s shot from the left point hit the stick of David Goyette, then Jacob Melanson before falling at the feet of Stephens at 14:05 of the second period.
The Wranglers responded with three goals in the third period. Dryden Hunt (6:51) and Lucas Ciona (14:53) combined to help pull Calgary within one and Rory Kerins tied the game on a 6-on-5 strike with seven seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
Following two scoreless overtime periods, a third OT was needed to decide a winner. Ville Ottavainen took a shot from the point that was tipped by Stephens for the game winning goal just two minutes in. The game-winner was Stephens’ second goal of the game, and the second assist belonged to Nik Brouillard.
The game was the second longest in Firebirds’ history, falling nine minutes and 22 seconds short of game three of the 2023 Pacific Division Finals which ended 111:22 into the game. Stephens’ goal was scored at 102:00.
Nikke Kokko made 36 saves to earn his first career playoff victory. The Firebirds powerplay finished the game 0-for-7 and the penalty kill went 3-for-3. Coachella Valley outshot Calgary 50-39.
Click HERE to view the game’s box score.
The Firebirds look to close out the best-of-three series this Saturday, April 26th at Acrisure Arena. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. PT. The 2025 Postseason is presented by Spotlight 29 Casino.
Fired Up Fan Ticket Offer!
Get $27 playoff tickets with the all-new Fired Up Fan Ticket Offer! Save money and see the Firebirds in round one of the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs! Offer available online only and in select locations. Click HERE to get tickets and additional playoff information now!
Updated Box Office Hours
Avoid additional online fees by stopping by the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena! Updated hours of operations include:
Wednesday, April 23rd: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 24th (Concert Day): 10 a.m – approx. 8 p.m.
Friday, April 25th (Concert Day): 10 a.m. – approx. 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 26th (Game Day): 10 a.m. – end of the second intermission
Sunday, April 27th (Game Day): 10 a.m. – end of the second intermission
Updated Firebirds Team Store Hours
Stop by the Team Store located at The Patio outside of Acrisure Arena and grab your playoff merchandise before it’s too late! See below for updated Firebirds Team Store Hours:
Wednesday, April 23rd: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Thursday, April 24th (Concert Day): CLOSED
Friday, April 25th (Concert Day): CLOSED
Saturday, April 26th (Game Day): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – end of the game
Sunday, April 27th (Game Day): 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. – end of the game
Group Tickets Available During Playoffs!
Group tickets are also on sale for every playoff game! For groups of 10 or more, take advantage of special ticket discounts and the opportunity to avoid taxes and fees when attending a game. Don’t miss out – lock in your tickets today and be part of the excitement! Bring your group to a game, click HERE to learn more!
Postseason Pop-Up Events!
The Firebirds will be holding community pop-up events to drive the excitement of postseason hockey around the Coachella Valley. These events will feature merchandise and ticket giveaways, appearances from Firebirds’ players and personalities, and more! Each event will run until supplies run out. Dates and times are subject to change without notice.
Pop-Up Event Schedule:
Wednesday, April 23rd
The Shops at El Paseo
73-061 El Paseo, Suite 5
Palm Desert, CA 92260
3 p.m. PT – 8 p.m. PT
Thursday, April 24th
Burgers & Beer
72273 Dinah Shore Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
3 p.m. PT – 8 p.m. PT
Friday, April 25th
Hockey Happy Hour at Taproom 29
Spotlight 29 Casino
46-200 Harrison Place
Coachella, CA 92236
5 p.m. PT – 8 p.m. PT
Season Tickets on Sale Now!
Season ticket memberships for the 2025-26 season are on sale now! Join the Firebirds family and secure your seats for another thrilling season of action. Click HERE to learn more about season tickets!
Premium Seating at Firebirds’ Games
Experience the game like never before with Firebirds’ Premium Seating! Experience access to the VIP amenities from the comfort of one of several club options located throughout Acrisure Arena. Deposits are currently accepting deposits for our exclusive, sold-out premium areas. Learn more about Premium Seating HERE!
Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.
FIREBIRDS TICKET OPTIONS
