The Coachella Valley Firebirds secured a 3-2 victory over the Henderson Silver Knights on Saturday night at Acrisure Arena. The win came during the team’s annual Pride Night, an event presented by McDonald’s.
Henderson took an early lead when Jonas Rondbjerg scored less than three minutes into the game. Shortly after, Firebirds’ goaltender Nikke Kokko left with an injury and did not return. Victor Ostman replaced Kokko and played for the remainder of the match. Jackson Hallum extended Henderson’s lead to 2-0 following a turnover midway through the first period.
In the second period, Coachella Valley responded with three goals. Eduard Sale scored his fifth goal of the season, followed by Caden Price tying the game with his first AHL goal at 7:56, assisted by Jagger Firkus and Logan Morrison. Ian McKinnon then netted what would become the game-winning goal at 12:20 after Jakov Novak’s breakaway attempt was stopped but rebounded to McKinnon; Lleyton Roed also earned an assist on this play.
Ostman made 15 saves in the third period and finished with a total of 31 saves on 32 shots, helping secure his sixth win of the season. The Firebirds’ record improved to 17-12-4-0.
Coachella Valley did not have any powerplay opportunities but successfully killed both penalties they faced, including one late in regulation.
Three players were recognized as stars of the game:
“3.) Victor Ostman (CV) – Ostman came into the game in relief of Nikke Kokko and made 31 saves on 32 shots, including 15 in the third period, to notch his sixth win of the season.”
“2.) Caden Price (CV) – Price tied the game for Coachella Valley in the second period with his first AHL goal. The rookie now has seven points on the season.”
“1.) Ian McKinnon (CV) – McKinnon scored the eventual game winning goal halfway through the second period to help get the Firebirds back in the win column.”
Attendance for Pride Night reached 8,048 fans at Acrisure Arena.
The Firebirds will travel next to Cedar Park, Texas for two games against the Texas Stars scheduled for Tuesday, January 13th and Wednesday, January 14th. Both games are set to begin at 5 p.m. PT.
Ticket packages remain available for fans interested in attending future games during this special season. Options include half-season plans, flex packages, nine-game plans and more.
A limited number of premium club seats have been released for purchase for this season—these offer VIP amenities and inclusive food options within several exclusive clubs located throughout Acrisure Arena.
For upcoming games in 2025-26, new fan-focused enhancements are being introduced such as advance-purchase parking savings, new affordable food choices called Pocket-Friendly Picks, earlier weekday start times and pregame Happy Hour events at The Oasis inside Acrisure Arena.
Fans can find more information about ticketing options or stay updated on team news by visiting CVFirebirds.com or following @Firebirds on social media.
