The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Abbotsford Canucks on Sunday at Abbotsford Centre by the final score of 7-2. Coachella Valley had seven different players hit the back of the net as the team’s magic number to clinch the top spot in the Pacific Division is down to one.

The Firebirds came out of the first period with a 3-0 lead. John Hayden started the scoring just 31 seconds into the game as he finished off a 2-on-1 rush initiated by Ville Petman. Jacob Melanson earned the secondary assist on Hayden’s 13th goal of the season. Ian McKinnon extended Coachella Valley’s lead at 10:58 after Abbotsford goaltender Zach Sawchenko turned the puck over. The goal was McKinnon’s first of the season and was unassisted. 

Cameron Hughes made it a 3-0 game as he redirected a point shot from Connor Carrick past Sawchenko for his 24th goal of the year. The faceoff was won by Devin Shore and scooped up by Max McCormick to help get the puck to the blueline at 16:02.

Coachella Valley followed up their three-goal first period with a four-goal second period. Luke Henman notched his seventh of the season at 7:04, with the assists belonging to Cameron Hughes and Marian Studenic to make it 4-1. Abbotsford got on the board with a goal from John Stevens but was quickly answered by Cale Fleury just 50 seconds later. Lleyton Roed recorded his first career professional goal at 16:45 after a setup from Ville Petman to make it 6-1 game. Kole Lind went between-the-legs on the powerplay inside the period’s final minute to give the Firebirds a six-goal lead. 

Abbotsford got one back in the third period on a strike from Arshdeep Bains, but Coachella Valley closed out the game with a 7-2 victory.

The Firebirds outshot the Canucks 31-29. Ales Stezka stopped 27 Abbotsford shots to earn his 16th win of the season.

The win moves Coachella Valley’s record to 43-14-5-4. The Firebirds powerplay finished the game 1-for-3 and the team did not take a penalty. Coachella Valley can clinch the Pacific Division title as early as Wednesday with a win (regulation, overtime, shootout) against the Ontario Reign. 

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

NEXT HOME GAME

The Firebirds return home to face the Ontario Reign this Wednesday, April 10th. It’s another $5 Beer Night! Head to Ticketmaster to lock in your seat before it’s too late. Don’t forget to purchase parking in advance online at ParkWhiz. Puck drop is set for 7pm PT.

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.