Coachella Valley Opens Four Game Swing with Comeback Victory Over Abbotsford
The Firebirds defeated the Abbotsford Canucks on Saturday night at Rogers Forum in a shootout final score of 4-3. Jagger Firkus recorded a three-point game as Coachella Valley climbed back from a 3-1 deficit in the third period to earn their second straight shootout win.
The two teams exchanged powerplay goals in the opening period. Nils Aman sent the teddy bears flying in Abbotsford as he cashed in on a Canucks’ man-advantage to put Abbotsford out to a 1-0 lead at 9:16. The Firebirds evened the score on the powerplay as Jagger Firkus netted his tenth goal of the season. Oscar Molgaard’s backhand pass set up Firkus, who extended his road game point streak to eight in a row. Ben Meyers earned the secondary assist to move his point streak to eight straight. Former Firebird Jimmy Schuldt regained the lead for the Canucks just 14 seconds later.
Mackenzie MacEachern extended the Canucks lead to 3-1 just 3:31 into the second period as he moved in on a partial breakaway and beat Nikke Kokko.
Jagger Firkus scored his second goal of the game just 1:22 into the third period after J.R. Avon’s shot went off the pad of goaltender Jiri Patera. The Firebirds held the Canucks without a shot for the period’s first 17 minutes. Down by one goal with 1:34 left in regulation, Ben Meyers took a wrist shot between the circles that beat Patera to tie the game at 3-3. Tyson Jugnauth and Jagger Firkus each recorded assists on Meyers’ ninth goal of the season.
The five-minute overtime ended after a flurry of highlight-reel saves from Patera on four Coachella Valley shots. The game needed a shootout was needed to decide a winner. Logan Morrison and J.R. Avon each scored in the shootout and Nikke Kokko stopped two of three Canucks shooters to earn the Firebirds the extra point.
Coachella Valley finished the game 1-for-4 on the powerplay and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill. The Firebirds outshot the Canucks 46-19, their highest shot performance of the season
THREE STARS:
3.) Tyson Jugnauth (CVF) – Jugnauth recorded an assist on the Firebird’s game-tying goal in the third period.
2.) Jiri Patera (ABB) – Patera made 42 saves on 45 shots to help earn his team a point in the shootout loss.
1.) Jagger Firkus (CVF) – Firkus recorded a three-point game, netting two goals and picking up an assist.
Click HERE to view the game’s full box score.
The Firebirds continue their Canadian road trip tomorrow afternoon, Sunday, December 7th with another meeting with the Abbotsford Canucks. Puck drop is set for 4 p.m. PT before heading to Calgary to face the Wranglers this Tuesday and Thursday. Coachella Valley returns home on Wednesday, December 17th to host the San Jose Barracuda. Head to Acrisure Arena early for Happy Hour at the Oasis (90 mins before puck drop). Game time is at 6:30 p.m. Get tickets 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.
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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