Sports
Firebirds Shut Out Ontario Reign 3-0 to Take Game 1 of Division Semifinals
Building on the momentum of winning the final two games of their first-round series against Bakersfield, the Coachella Valley Firebirds opened the Pacific Division semifinals on Wednesday evening with a commanding 3-0 road victory over the Ontario Reign. The win at Toyota Arena gives the Firebirds a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
J.R. Avon led the offensive charge for the Firebirds, finding the back of the net twice. Oscar Fisker Mølgaard continued his blistering postseason pace, notching his fourth goal and sixth point in the last three games to round out the scoring.
On the defensive end, goalie Nikke Kokko (3-1) was flawless, turning away all 23 shots he faced to earn the shutout. The loss was the sixth consecutive postseason defeat for Ontario dating back to 2024, despite a 30-save effort from Reign goaltender Erik Portillo.
The series remains in Ontario for Game 2, which is scheduled for Friday night at Toyota Arena. The Firebirds will eventually return home to Acrisure Arena for Game 3 on Tuesday, May 5, where they look to capitalize on their home-ice advantage.
Click here for Firebirds tickets and playoff schedule
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By: NBC Palm Springs
April 29, 2026
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