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AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds

Hughes' Overtime Winner Sends Firebirds Over Stars

March 21, 2024 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Coachella Valley Firebirds News Release


The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Texas Stars in overtime on Wednesday night by the final score of 4-3. Cameron Hughes scored twice, including the overtime game winner in front of a crowd of 9,224 at Acrisure Arena to help the Firebirds extend their point streak to 11 straight games.

Ryan Winterton opened the scoring for the Firebirds just 51 seconds into the game. Marian Studenic grabbed the puck off the boards and found Winterton in the slot. Winterton's wrist shot rang off the post and went behind Texas goaltender Remi Poirier for his 20th of the season. Shane Wright earned the secondary assist.

The Stars tied the game on a powerplay goal from Curtis McKenzie at 2:03 but Kole Lind got the lead back for the Firebirds 1:08 later. Devin Shore fed Lind on a 2-on-1 rush and cashed in to make it 2-1 Coachella Valley. Cameron Hughes was credited with the second assist.

Texas tied the game as Jack Becker slid the puck between Chris Driedger's legs to make it 2-2 but Coachella Valley capitalized on a powerplay as Hughes found the rebound from a Cale Fleury shot. Hughes' first goal of the game was also his 18th of the season.

The 3-2 Firebirds lead held until the first 22 seconds of the third period when Cody Haiskanen tied the game for the Stars. The score was tied at the end of regulation sending the Firebirds into their second straight overtime game.

Cameron Hughes scored for Coachella Valley 2:44 into overtime to seal the victory. Cale Fleury intercepted a pass to spring Hughes for the breakaway.

The victory moves Coachella Valley's record to 37-13-5-3 and gives them points in 21 of their last 22 games. The Firebirds finished 1-for-3 on the powerplay and the penalty kill went 2-for-3.

The Firebirds outshot the Stars 42-34. The win also extends the Firebirds' lead in the Pacific Division standings to six points and extends their lead in the Western Conference to five.

For the game's full box score, click HERE.

NEXT HOME GAME

The Firebirds return home to face the Texas Stars on Saturday, March 23rd for Military Appreciation Night, presented by Spotlight 29 and Tortoise Rock Casino. The first 6,500 fans in attendance will receive a Military-themed Firebirds bucket hat. Head to Ticketmaster to lock in your seat before it's too late. Don't forget to purchase parking in advance online at ParkWhiz.

TICKET UPGRADE

Looking to enhance your experience for a Firebirds game? Upgrade any ticket for access to The Compound, the newest VIP space at Acrisure Arena offering fans access to a stunning outdoor space featuring private bar, food, exclusive Firebirds merchandise options, covered seating, firepits along with access to a variety of backyard games from putt-putt and pickleball to cornhole and bocce ball and more! Upgrade options are available at the game or online at Ticketmaster.

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! Season Tickets Memberships for 2024-25 are also on sale! For more information on ticket options, click HERE or call 760-835-8778.

Get a jump on the 2024-25 Firebirds season with season tickets on sale now! In addition to all Firebirds home games, season ticket members will have access to the 2025 AHL All Star Classic presented by Spotlight 29, along with special events, gifts, and more! Click HERE to learn more about securing your seat for next season!

Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds' news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.

Check out the Coachella Valley Firebirds Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2024


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.

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