
Firebirds Hold off Wranglers for 4-3 Victory
January 20, 2024 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Coachella Valley Firebirds News Release
The Firebirds defeated the Calgary Wranglers on Friday night by the final score of 4-3. Shane Wright recorded his second three-point in his last three games as Coachella Valley moved into a third-place tie in the Pacific Division.
Calgary scored the first goal of the game on Pride Night, presented by Silvercrest. Jonathan Aspirot beat Ales Stezka to put the Wranglers on top at 7:36 of the opening frame. Coachella Valley killed off a four-minute double minor penalty to begin the second period and answered to tie the game. Connor Carrick launched a shot past Oscar Dansk for his tenth of the season with the assists belonging to Peetro Seppala and Shane Wright.
The Firebirds took their first lead of the game 1:19 later on a powerplay goal from Andrew Poturalski. The goal came just 11 seconds into the man-advantage as Cale Fleury found Poturalski at the blue line. The goal was Poturalski's seventh of the season and Wright earned his second assist of the game.
Ville Petman and Cameron Hughes each scored in the first 8:04 of the third period. Marian Studenic assisted on both goals to help the Firebirds extend their lead to 4-1. The Wranglers found the back of the net twice to pull within one, but Stezka came up big on a chance inside the final minute to keep his team ahead.
With the win, the Firebirds are now 21-12-3-1 on the season and earn their 45th and 46th points of the season, moving them into a third-place tie with the Ontario Reign. Coachella Valley outshot Calgary 35-28 and was a perfect 7-for-7 on the penalty kill while going 1-for-6 on the powerplay.
Tonight was the Firebirds' second annual Pride Night, presented by Silvercrest. The Firebirds along with the One Valley Foundation, presented Greater Palm Springs Pride a donation of $40,000.
"We thank the Coachella Valley Firebirds for their strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community for everyone. Pride Night brings the LGBTQ+ and ally community together to support the Firebirds and celebrate the beautiful diversity that strengthens our community. The Firebirds' support of Greater Palm Springs Pride tonight will help create safe and affirming opportunities for youth to participate in activities related to Pride throughout the year, " said Ron deHarte, president of Greater Palm Springs Pride.
NEXT GAME
The Firebirds hit the road for four-straight games beginning tomorrow against the Ontario Reign. Puck drop is set for 6pm PT at Toyota Arena. Coachella Valley returns home to face the Calgary Wranglers on Thursday, January 31st for Fuego Bobblehead Night! Don't out on this great giveaway! Head to Ticketmaster to lock in your seat before it's too late. Don't forget to purchase parking in advance online at ParkWhiz.
Don't miss a moment of Coachella Valley Firebirds' hockey! Group, Flex, and Individual tickets for remainder of the 2023-24 season are on sale now! For more information on ticket options, call 760-835-8778.
Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds' news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.
American Hockey League Stories from January 20, 2024
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- Four Unanswered Goals Propel Firebirds Over Reign - Coachella Valley Firebirds
- Reign Lose, 4-2 - Ontario Reign
- Eagles Storm Back to Defeat San Jose 6-5 in Overtime - Colorado Eagles
- Silver Knights Drop Second Half of Back-To-Back, 3-2, Against Roadrunners - Henderson Silver Knights
- Manitoba Edged by Rapids Griffins - Manitoba Moose
- Griffins Score Four Goals in Third Period to Sweep Manitoba with 4-3 Comeback Win - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Belleville Falls to Quebec - Belleville Senators
- Kaiser Scores First Pro Goal, Power Play Strikes Twice, & Hogs Tame Wild 4-1 - Rockford IceHogs
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- Bridgeport Islanders Host Hartford to Kick off Second Half - Bridgeport Islanders
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- Firebirds Hold off Wranglers for 4-3 Victory - Coachella Valley Firebirds
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Coachella Valley Firebirds Stories
- Firebirds' Season Ends with Loss to Abbotsford Canucks
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- Melanson Scores in Overtime as Firebirds Win Game Two, Tie Series 1-1
- Melanson's Overtime Goal Leads Firebirds Over Canucks in Game Two
- Winterton Scores Lone Goal as Firebirds Fall in Game One

