The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Calgary Wranglers on Wednesday at Acrisure Arena by the final score of 7-5. Max McCormick and Marian Studenic each scored twice as the Firebirds took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

The Wranglers scored the game’s first goal, coming on the powerplay at 5:47 of the first period on a powerplay goal from Jonathan Aspirot. Coachella Valley answered after Cameron Hughes won a battle in the corner and fed John Hayden in the slot. Hayden ripped a wrister past Dustin Wolf to make it a 1-1 game at 11:20. The Firebirds took the lead 42 seconds later as Jacob Melanson threw the puck off a skate in front past Wolf for his first professional playoff goal.

Calgary tied the game 2:55 into the second period on another powerplay goal, this time from Adam Klapka. Marian Studenic put Coachella Valley ahead during a 4-on-4, netting home a rebound from Connor Carrick shot into the cage at 6:01.

The third period featured seven combined goals. Another powerplay goal for Calgary had the game even at 4-4 early into the frame, but the Firebirds found a response with a shorthanded goal from Studenic set up by Hayden. Cole Schwindt netted the equalizer for the Wranglers just 46 seconds later on Calgary’s third powerplay goal of the game. 

The Firebirds were given a four-minute powerplay after Klapka was called for a high sticking double-minor. Coachella Valley scored quickly on the first portion of the man-advantage as Devin Shore ripped a shot from the left circle for his second goal in as many games. 1:02 later, Ryker Evans wristed a shot from the blueline that was redirected by Max McCormick to give Coachella Valley a two-goal lead. The Wranglers got one back thanks to a Jacob Pelletier goal, but the Firebirds cashed in with an empty netter from McCormick to put his team ahead 7-5.

Coachella Valley outshot Calgary 37-36. Chris Driedger made 31 saves pick up his first second straight win.

The Firebirds’ powerplay finished the game 2-for-4 and the penalty kill went 4-for-7. 

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

GAME FOUR THIS FRIDAY!

The Firebirds look to wrap up the series this Friday, May 10th for game four at 7pm. Visit Ticketmaster to get your tickets before it’s too late!

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.