Coachella Valley Firebirds drop season opener 5-0 against San Diego Gulls
Jesus Reyes
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds lost their season opener against the San Diego Gulls 5-0 Friday night at Acrisure Arena.
Birds get blown out in the season opener 5-0 at home against the San Diego Gulls. Youngest team in the AHL, so growing pains are expected. Not to mention, it’s just one of 72 games in the regular season. Next game is Saturday, 10/18 at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) October 11, 2025
Goaltender Nikke Kokko made 39 saves on 45 shots in the Firebirds’ first loss of the season.
Gulls’ forward Ryan Carpenter capped off a San Diego shot heavy first period with a goal in the final minute. San Diego outshot Coachella Valley 18-5 in the opening frame. Tim Washe extended the Gulls’ lead to 2-0 early in the second and Judd Caulfield added a third San Diego tally.
Sasha Pastujov and Matthew Phillips combined to tack on two more Gulls goals to secure a 5-0 win for the visiting team. Netminder Ville Husso stopped all 26 shots to pick up the shutout victory for his team.
Tonight marked the first professional games for Firebirds’ defenseman Tyson Jugnauth and Caden Price.
The Firebirds were held to just one powerplay in the game and did not capitalize. San Diego was blanked on all four man-advantage tries. The Firebirds were outshot 44-26.
The Firebirds will seek to avenge the loss next Saturday, Oct. 18 at home against the Colorado Eagles.
Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage of the Firebirds all season long.