FIREBIRDS DEFEAT GULLS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT WIN, 6-3

Logan Morrison Scores Twice in Season Debut, Julius Miettinen Records First Two Professional Points, and Nikke Kokko Earns 40th AHL Victory

The Coachella Valley Firebirds (2-0-1-0) defeated the San Diego Gulls 6-3 on Friday night at Acrisure Arena. Logan Morrison scored twice in his first game of the season, while Julius Miettinen recorded the first two points of his professional career. The Firebirds also made franchise history, scoring multiple power-play goals for the third consecutive game for the first time in team history.

San Diego opened the scoring at 7:18 of the first period as Ryan Carpenter gave the Gulls a 1-0 lead heading into the intermission.

Coachella Valley responded with four goals in the second period, beginning with Mitchell Stephens’ first goal of the season at 2:48. Miettinen picked up his first professional point with an assist on the play, while Caden Price earned the secondary helper. Just 1:26 later, Jani Nyman scored to give the Firebirds a 2-1 advantage, with assists from Ty Nelson and Gustav Olofsson.

Matthew Phillips tied the game for San Diego just 19 seconds later, but Eduard Sale restored Coachella Valley’s lead with a power-play goal at 8:12, assisted by J.R. Avon and Nelson.

Cruz Lucius evened the score at 3-3 at 16:01 before Morrison scored on the power play with just 18 seconds remaining in the middle frame. Avon and Miettinen assisted on the go-ahead goal, giving Miettinen his second professional point and sending the Firebirds into the third period with a 4-3 lead.

Avon extended Coachella Valley’s advantage early in the third period before Morrison added an empty-net goal late in regulation to secure the 6-3 victory.

The Firebirds finished 2-for-5 on the power play and successfully killed all four San Diego opportunities with the man advantage. The two power-play goals marked the first time in franchise history that Coachella Valley has scored multiple goals on the man advantage in three consecutive games. Coachella Valley ended the night 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Coachella Valley goaltender Nikke Kokko made 31 saves on 34 shots to earn his 40th career AHL victory, while San Diego’s Laurent Brossoit stopped 24 of 29 shots. The Gulls outshot the Firebirds, 34-30.

The Firebirds return to action on Sunday, October 11, when they host the Ontario Reign at Acrisure Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT. Get tickets HERE!

Click HERE to view the game’s full box score.

Single Game Tickets Now Available!

Single game tickets for Season Five of Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey are on sale now. Fans can secure their seats for all Firebirds home games at Acrisure Arena by visiting Ticketmaster.com or the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena. For more information, visit CVFirebirds.com.

Season Ticket Memberships on Sale Now!

Experience every moment of Season Five by becoming a Firebirds Season Ticket Member and receive complimentary admission to the preseason game! Members enjoy exclusive benefits including 25% off select food and beverage offerings, discounted parking, priority playoff access and exclusive team events, all while securing the best available seats for the 2026-27 season. Full Season Memberships are available now, click HERE to learn more and get your membership today!

Bring a Group to a Game!

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