The Coachella Valley Firebirds secured a 5-0 victory over the San Diego Gulls at Pechanga Arena on Friday night. Goaltender Nikke Kokko recorded his first regular season shutout in the American Hockey League, stopping all 31 shots faced. Ben Meyers contributed two goals, helping the Firebirds improve their record to 9-5-3-0 for the season.
In the opening period, Coachella Valley killed off three San Diego power plays and took a 2-0 lead. Jacob Melanson moved the puck into the offensive zone, with David Goyette setting up Lleyton Roed for his first goal of the season at 6:30. Jagger Firkus extended the lead after collecting a rebound from Ville Ottavainen’s shot at 15:40. The play also marked Logan Morrison’s 100th AHL point with an assist.
Kokko continued to hold off San Diego in the second period by saving all ten shots against him. Late in that frame, Tyson Jugnauth assisted Ben Meyers for his fifth goal of the season, increasing Coachella Valley’s advantage to three goals with just under ninety seconds left before intermission. Eduard Sale provided a secondary assist.
Meyers scored again early in the third period on an unassisted breakaway, while Kaden Hammell added another unassisted goal later in the period.
The Firebirds went without a powerplay goal but successfully killed all five penalties they faced. Despite being outshot by San Diego 31-23, they maintained control throughout.
Afterward, three players were recognized as game stars:
“3.) Lleyton Roed (CVF) – Scored his first goal of the season at 6:30 of the first period (game-winning goal).”
“2.) Jagger Firkus (CVF) – Now has points in eight of his last nine games and leads the team in scoring (9 goals, 11 assists, 20 points in 17 games).”
“1.) Ben Meyers (CVF) – With a two-goal game, Meyers now has six points in four games since his return from Seattle (4 goals, 2 assists).”
Nikke Kokko received honorable mention for making “31 saves to pick up his first AHL regular season shutout.” He previously earned a postseason shutout during last year’s Calder Cup Playoffs against Calgary Wranglers.
The Firebirds will return home Saturday to host Texas Stars at Acrisure Arena with puck drop scheduled for 6 p.m., and fans are encouraged to purchase parking ahead of time through ParkWhiz due to increased rates on game day.
Ticket packages remain available for various plans including full-season and partial-season options. Premium seating opportunities have also been released after three years’ wait and include VIP amenities and inclusive food choices within several club areas at Acrisure Arena.
For this upcoming season, enhancements have been introduced aimed at improving fan experience such as advance-purchase parking savings and new food options designed to be more affordable.
Further information about tickets or gameday features can be found on CVFirebirds.com or by following @Firebirds on social media.
