Sports
Firebirds Earn Crucial Point in Overtime Loss to Ontario Reign Amid Playoff Push
The Coachella Valley Firebirds came up just short Saturday night, falling 3-2 in overtime to the division-leading Ontario Reign at Acrisure Arena—but not without a fight.
With just three games remaining in the regular season, every point matters in the standings, and the Firebirds managed to secure one in a gritty effort despite a depleted roster.
The team was without key goaltenders Niklas Kokko and Victor Östman, both called up to the Seattle Kraken, and Jack LaFontaine was scratched due to illness. That opened the door for Logan Ternes to make his American Hockey League debut. The young netminder stepped up, making 36 saves and keeping the Firebirds in the game.
Coachella Valley fell behind 2-0 early but refused to back down. Mitchell Stephens got the Firebirds on the board with a breakaway goal, cutting the deficit in half. Later, Tyson Jugnauth delivered a clutch power-play goal in the third period to tie the game at 2.
The drama intensified in the final minute of regulation when a potential go-ahead goal was waved off, a decision that drew frustration from players and head coach Derek Laxdal.
In overtime, the Reign ultimately secured the win, but Firebirds coach Derek Laxdal praised his team’s effort, calling it a gutsy performance against one of the top teams in the division.
The Firebirds now sit at 84 points, holding a narrow two-point lead over the fifth-place spot in the Pacific Division as they continue their push toward the postseason.
Meanwhile, Niklas Kokko earned his first NHL win with Seattle in a victory over the Calgary Flames.
The Firebirds hit the road next for a critical matchup with San Jose as the playoff race tightens.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Tim O'Brien
April 12, 2026
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