The Coachella Valley Firebirds secured a 7-4 victory over the Calgary Wranglers on Thursday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome, closing out their four-game Canadian road trip. Tyson Jugnauth led the team with two goals and two assists, marking his first career four-point game.
Jugnauth opened the scoring just 1:30 into the game by forcing a turnover in front of Calgary goaltender Owen Say for his third goal of the season. Calgary responded quickly with a goal from Matvei Gridin 28 seconds later. Kaden Hammell then put Coachella Valley back in front with his fourth goal of the year, followed by Oscar Molgaard’s breakaway tally—his fourth of the season—after a pass from John Hayden.
Jugnauth added his second goal of the period off another Hayden assist, making it 4-1 at 15:10. Logan Morrison redirected a Jugnauth shot less than a minute later to extend Coachella Valley’s lead to four; this was Morrison’s eleventh goal of the season. Following this fifth Firebirds goal, Calgary replaced Say with Connor Murphy in net. The Wranglers scored late in the period to cut their deficit to three.
In the second period, Ty Nelson scored unassisted through Murphy’s five-hole for his third goal of the season. Calgary answered with two quick goals from Rory Kerins and Justin Kirkland (on a power play), narrowing Coachella Valley’s lead to two.
Jacob Melanson sealed the win for Coachella Valley with an empty-netter late in the third period. Nikke Kokko entered as goaltender after Victor Ostman allowed Calgary’s fourth goal and stopped all 23 shots he faced—including 19 in the final period—to help secure what became Coachella Valley’s thirteenth win this season.
The Firebirds’ powerplay was unsuccessful on its only opportunity, while their penalty kill finished three-for-four. Calgary outshot Coachella Valley 36-24.
The three stars named were Aydar Suniev (Calgary), who scored late in the first; John Hayden (Coachella Valley), who recorded two assists; and Tyson Jugnauth (Coachella Valley) for his four-point performance.
“Tyson Jugnauth opened the scoring as he forced the Wranglers to turn over the puck right in front of goaltender Owen Say for his third goal of the season,” according to team officials.
Coachella Valley will return home on Wednesday, December 17th to host San Jose Barracuda at Acrisure Arena, where new fan events such as Singles Night will debut alongside regular features like Happy Hour at The Oasis before puck drop. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m., and tickets are available online.
Fans are encouraged to purchase parking ahead through ParkWhiz to save money as rates increase on game day. The organization also continues offering various ticket packages tailored for different preferences during what they describe as “a special season of events.” Premium seating options have been released for club sections within Acrisure Arena, providing access to exclusive amenities and food offerings.
For next season, several enhancements are planned including advance-purchase parking discounts, more affordable food choices under Pocket-Friendly Picks, earlier weekday start times, and expanded pregame Happy Hour options aimed at improving accessibility and convenience for fans attending games at Acrisure Arena.
Further updates about tickets or gameday experiences can be found by visiting CVFirebirds.com or following @Firebirds on social media.
