Firebirds take first game of weekend series in Tucson

The Firebirds started their weekend series in Tucson with a big win over the Roadrunners on Friday night. Five Firebirds recorded multipoint games to help guide Coachella Valley to their second-straight win. 

The scoring started just 1:50 into the game. Mitchell Stephens dumped the puck into the corner, rolling right to Jacob Melanson, whose shot went through the legs of Roadrunners' goaltender Jaxson Stauber.

Coachella Valley added to their lead as Goyette netted his first goal of the season, assisted by Stephens and Ville Ottavainen at 5:16 of the first. 

Just 1:16 into the middle frame, Coachella Valley extended their lead. Logan Morrison’s spinning pass found J.R. Avon at the top of the left circle. Avon put the puck on the net where it banked off the skate of Jagger Firkus into the net to make it 3-0 Firebirds. Cameron Hebig scored to cut the Roadrunners’ deficit to two at 10:20.

Nikke Kokko finished the night with 25 saves on 27 shots as the Firebirds’ record improved to 5-4-1-0 on the season.

Coachella Valley finished the game 0-for-3 on the powerplay and 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. The Firebirds outshot the Roadrunners 30-27. 

Ottavainen, Firkus, Stephens, Goyette and Morrison recorded multipoint games to help guide Coachella Valley to their second straight win.

The Firebirds wrap up their weekend series against the Tucson Roadrunners tomorrow, Saturday, November 8th. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. PT.