Morrison’s Team-Leading 14th Goal of the Season Helps Coachella Valley Defeat Abbotsford
The Firebirds defeated the Abbotsford Canucks on Friday night at Acrisure Arena in overtime by the final score of 3-2. Logan Morrison scored the overtime game-winning goal 2:25 into the extra session to secure two points for the Firebirds.
Mitchell Stephens opened the scoring in the first period, grabbing a loose puck between the circles and ripping home his fifth goal of the season. Eduard Sale and David Goyette earned the assists as the team’s forecheck led to the early strike at 4:29.
Ben Berard tied the game for the Canucks in the second period with his seventh goal of the season and his first tally of the night. Coachella Valley responded less than two minutes later as Ian McKinnon stole the puck from an Abbotsford forward and found Andrei Loshko in front of the net. Loshko beat Nikita Tolopilo to capture his first goal of the season and regain the Firebirds’ lead at 17:31.
Berard tied the game late in the third period as he found the back of the net for the second time, drawing the Canucks even with 2:52 remaining in regulation. The game needed overtime to decide a winner.
Logan Morrison grabbed the puck from Jagger Firkus and rocketed a shot top shelf to give the Firebirds the victory just 2:25 into overtime. The goal was Morrison’s team-leading 14th goal of the season, and the secondary assist belonged to Gustav Olofsson, who was back in the lineup tonight after missing 22 consecutive games due to a lower-body injury.
Goaltender Nikke Kokko earned his 30th career AHL victory, stopping 34 of 36 Abbotsford shots. With the win, the Firebirds’ record improves to 15-8-4-0 on the season. Coachella Valley’s powerplay finished the game 0-for-3 and the penalty kill went 3-for-3.
THREE STARS:
3.) Ben Berard (ABB) – Berard netted two goals for the Canucks, including the game-tying goal to force overtime and help Abbotsford extend their point streak to five straight games.
2.) Nikke Kokko (CV) – Kokko made 34 saves to pick up his 10th win of the season and 30th in his AHL career. The Oulu, Finland native made double-digit saves in all three periods.
1.) Logan Morrison (CV) – Morrison netted the overtime game-winning goal to help secure the Firebirds 15th win of the season. Coachella Valley is now 14-2-1 when Morrison records a point.
Click HERE to view the game’s full box score.
Coachella Valley hits the road to face the Henderson Silver Knights tomorrow, Sunday, December 28th. Puck drop is set for 5 p.m. PT.
The Firebirds return home to ring in the New Year this Wednesday, December 31st. It’s the second annual New Year’s Eve game, presented by Buzzbox. Stick around after the game for the largest indoor fireworks display in the Coachella Valley, brought to you by Big Rock Pub! The game starts at 5pm. Get to the game early for Happy Hour on the Oasis, featuring $5 beers and $10 wine specials, plus more activations and specials! Tickets are available HERE.
Fans are encouraged to secure $20 parking by purchasing in advance through the ParkWhiz app. Parking rates will increase on the day of the game.
Season of Giving!
Another successful Season of Giving concluded as the Firebirds partnered with FIND Regional Food Bank that started in early November and went through the team’s Teddy Bear Toss Game on Friday, December 19th. This year, 22,029 teddy bears were collected as well as thousands of pounds of canned food items. Below are the winning raffle numbers for the three raffle prizes!
Prize #1 – Fuego Fan Pack:
• Fuego Backpack
• Fuego Autographed Puck
• Fuego Jersey
WINNING TICKET: 57825-149
Prize #2 – Firebirds Night Out:
• Faceoff Four Pack (Four Tickets, Four Hot Dogs, Four Sodas/Waters/Topo Chicos)
• Four Firebirds T-Shirts
• Four Firebirds Hats
WINNING TICKET: 57825-672
Prize #3 – Autograph Fan Pack:
• Autographed Jersey
• Autographed Stick
• Autographed Puck
WINNING TICKET: 56029-103
If you have a winning ticket, stop by the Community Relations table at Section 114 during the next Firebirds’ home game or contact Alyssa Savala (asavala@cvfirebirds.com) to claim your prize.
Get Your Ticket Plan Today!
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of a special season of events. With ticket packages designed to fit your lifestyle – including full season, half season, 9-game plans, and more – there is something for every fan this season. Join the Firebirds Family and get ready for the return of hockey this October. To learn more about all available 2025-26 ticket packages, click HERE.
Premium Seating at Firebirds’ Games
For the first time in three years, a limited number of seats have been released in our premium clubs, the desert’s most exclusive and sought-after premium experience! This is the spot where the Coachella Valley’s leaders and tastemakers gather to connect, unwind, and enjoy world-class entertainment with family, friends, and clients. Elevate your game day like never before with Firebirds’ Premium Seating! Experience access to VIP amenities and inclusive food options all from the comfort of one of our several club options located throughout Acrisure Arena. Learn more about Premium Seating HERE!
Fan-Centric Gameday Enhancements
For the 2025-26 season, the Firebirds are rolling out a series of fan-first enhancements designed to make the gameday experience more accessible, convenient, and enjoyable. Highlights include advance-purchase parking savings, new Pocket-Friendly Picks food and beverage options, earlier weekday start times, and pregame Happy Hour at The Oasis, and more! Click HERE to learn more.
Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.
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