The Coachella Valley Firebirds secured a 4-3 shootout victory over the Abbotsford Canucks on Saturday night at Rogers Forum. Jagger Firkus led the team with two goals and an assist, helping the Firebirds overcome a 3-1 deficit in the third period to claim their second consecutive shootout win.
The match began with both teams trading powerplay goals in the first period. Nils Aman scored for Abbotsford at 9:16, giving the Canucks an early lead. The Firebirds responded when Jagger Firkus netted his tenth goal of the season, assisted by Oscar Molgaard and Ben Meyers. Meyers extended his point streak to eight games with this assist. Shortly after, former Firebird Jimmy Schuldt restored Abbotsford’s lead.
Mackenzie MacEachern increased the Canucks’ advantage to 3-1 early in the second period by scoring on a partial breakaway against Nikke Kokko.
In the third period, Firkus scored again just over a minute into play after a rebound from J.R. Avon’s shot. The Firebirds then held Abbotsford without a shot for 17 minutes of that period. With less than two minutes left in regulation, Ben Meyers tied the game at 3-3 with his ninth goal of the season, assisted by Tyson Jugnauth and Firkus.
Overtime ended scoreless despite several saves by Canucks goaltender Jiri Patera against four Coachella Valley attempts. In the shootout, Logan Morrison and J.R. Avon each converted for Coachella Valley while Nikke Kokko stopped two out of three Canucks shooters to secure an extra point for his team.
Coachella Valley finished one-for-four on powerplays and three-for-four on penalty kills during the game. The Firebirds also recorded their highest shot total of the season, outshooting Abbotsford 46-19.
The game’s three stars were announced as follows:
“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.”
The Firebirds will continue their Canadian road trip with another matchup against Abbotsford on Sunday before traveling to Calgary for games against the Wranglers later in the week. Their next home game is scheduled for December 17th against San Jose Barracuda at Acrisure Arena.
Fans are encouraged to purchase parking ahead of time using ParkWhiz to avoid higher rates on game day. A variety of ticket packages are available for those interested in attending future games, including options for full season, half season, or nine-game plans. Limited premium seating has also been released for this season at Acrisure Arena, offering VIP amenities and inclusive food options.
For more information about tickets or premium seating options, fans can visit CVFirebirds.com or follow @Firebirds on social media.
