The Coachella Valley Firebirds secured a 4-2 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Wednesday night at Acrisure Arena. Goaltender Nikke Kokko made 38 saves, marking his 50th career AHL game, and Oscar Molgaard scored the decisive goal late in the third period to give the Firebirds their 14th win of the season.
John Hayden opened the scoring for Coachella Valley less than five minutes into the first period, netting his seventh goal after a shot from Eduard Sale hit the post and landed in front of San Jose’s Gabriel Carriere. Ville Ottavainen was credited with a secondary assist. The Firebirds were unable to capitalize on three powerplay opportunities in the opening frame.
After a scoreless second period, San Jose tied the game early in the third during a two-man advantage when Oliver Wahlstrom scored through traffic. Mitchell Stephens restored Coachella Valley’s lead with his fourth goal of the season, set up by Lukas Dragicevic and Caden Price. The Barracuda answered again with a powerplay goal from Filip Bystedt at 11:00.
With under three and a half minutes remaining, Kokko stopped a shot and redirected the puck to Molgaard, who carried it into Barracuda territory and scored while falling to put Coachella Valley ahead for good. It was Molgaard’s fifth goal this season; Kokko received an assist on the play.
Logan Morrison added an empty-net goal with just over a minute left, giving him 12 goals this season—most on his team.
Kokko improved his record to 9-4-1 for the year as Coachella Valley was outshot by San Jose 40-30. The Firebirds’ penalty kill went three-for-five while their powerplay finished without a goal in five attempts.
The win brought Coachella Valley’s record to 14-7-3-0 overall and 2-0 against San Jose this season.
Three stars of the game were announced: Oliver Wahlstrom (San Jose) earned third star honors with a goal and an assist; Oscar Molgaard (Coachella Valley) was named second star for scoring the winning goal; and Nikke Kokko (Coachella Valley) took first star recognition for his performance in net and registering an assist.
The Firebirds will conclude their homestand on Friday, December 19, hosting Bakersfield Condors for Teddy Bear Toss Night at Acrisure Arena. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to throw onto the ice after Coachella Valley’s first goal. Tickets are available online, with advance parking recommended via ParkWhiz app due to higher rates on game day.
For those interested in attending future games or special events throughout the upcoming season, ticket packages—including full-season, half-season, and nine-game plans—are available through the team website. Premium seating options have also been released after three years; these include access to club amenities at Acrisure Arena—details can be found here.
Enhancements have been introduced for fans during the 2025-26 season such as savings on advance parking purchases, new affordable food options, earlier weekday start times, and pregame Happy Hour specials at The Oasis. More information about these updates is available on their website.
Fans can follow team news by visiting CVFirebirds.com or following @Firebirds on social media platforms.
