The Coachella Valley Firebirds lost to the Ontario Reign by a score of 4-1 on Apr. 10 at Toyota Arena. Jakov Novak scored the only goal for the Firebirds, who now have a record of 39 wins, 24 losses, five overtime losses, and zero shootout losses.
This game is important as it comes late in the season with playoff implications for both teams. The result impacts the Firebirds’ standing in their division as they prepare for upcoming postseason play.
Ontario took an early lead with one goal in the first period and added two more within just over four minutes at the start of the second period. The Firebirds responded at 7:12 in the second period when Novak recorded his fifth goal of the season, assisted by Justin Janicke. The Reign sealed their win with an empty net goal from Francesco Pinelli late in regulation.
Goaltender Victor Ostman made 31 saves for Coachella Valley as Ontario outshot them 35-22. Hampton Slukynsky stopped 21 out of 22 shots from Coachella Valley during his professional debut for Ontario. The Firebirds were unsuccessful on their single powerplay opportunity and killed off one penalty while allowing a powerplay goal against.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are recognized for bringing professional hockey to their region according to their official website. They serve as an American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken according to their official website and have had deep playoff runs and division titles in previous seasons according to their official website. The team also focuses on building a passionate hockey community through fan events and outreach programs such as youth development, education initiatives, health efforts, and partnerships with local nonprofits according to their official website.
Looking ahead, Coachella Valley will face Ontario again on Saturday at Acrisure Arena during Country Night. Fans can view current AHL standings leading into playoffs at https://theahl.com/2026playoffprimer.
