CV Firebirds get first home win of the season with OT victory over San Diego Gulls
Jesus Reyes
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds beat the San Diego Gulls 4-3 in overtime to secure their first home win of the season.
Tyson Jugnauth’s first AHL goal, coming inside the final minute of overtime, and Victor Ostman’s 42 saves lifted the Firebirds to the win.
The Firebirds netted two goals in an 11-second span to jump out to an early 2-0 lead. John Hayden put home a feed from Caden Price to make it a 1-0 game at 4:12 of the first period, which was quickly followed up by a Logan Morrison goal, set up by Lleyton Roed, for his team-leading fourth of the season.
The game was Roed’s first appearance with the Firebirds since April 9th. Matthew Phillips cut Coachella Valley’s lead in half with an unassisted goal at 11:18 of the first period.
The 2-1 lead lasted until the third period when Justin Bailey’s breakaway goal tied the game for San Diego and Yegor Sidorov’s go-ahead strike came just 2:24 later to put the Gulls ahead.
JR Avon ripped a shot over the shoulder of Gulls’ goaltender Calle Clang to pull the Firebirds even. Avon’s first goal with Coachella Valley was assisted by Kaden Hammell and Mitchell Stephens and came with 5:07 left in regulation. The game needed overtime to decide a winner.
Oscar Molgaard was sprung on a 3-on-2 rush into the offensive zone and found Tyson Jugnauth coming down the slot. Jugnauth’s shot hit Clang’s glove then ricocheted off the skate of Matthew Phillips into the back of the net, sealing a 4-3 win for Coachella Valley.
Victor Ostman made 42 saves on 45 shots to pick up his second win of the season as the Firebirds’ record moves to 3-3-1-0 to begin the 2025-26 season.
Coachella Valley finished game 0-for-1 on the powerplay and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. The Firebirds were outshot by the Gulls 45-22.
The Firebirds continue their homestand for Dia De Los Muertos Night, presented by Verizon, this Saturday, November 1st. Get to the game early and get a Los Firebirds poncho, enjoy theme night celebrations, food and drink specials, specialty jerseys, and more! Puck drop is set for 6pm PT. Click HERE to get your tickets now!
Fans are encouraged to secure $20 parking by purchasing in advance through the ParkWhiz app. Parking rates will increase on the day of the game.