Sports
Hayden scores late to give Firebirds 2-1 win over Colorado
PALM DESERT, CA (November 4, 2026) – Coachella Valley Firebirds captain John Hayden scored the game-winning goal with just nine seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Firebirds to a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Eagles on Wednesday night at Acrisure Arena. Goaltender Nikke Kokko made 27 saves to help Coachella Valley secure its second consecutive victory and improve to 5-4-2-1 on the season.
Colorado opened the scoring at 17:09 of the first period as Gavin Brindley gave the Eagles a 1-0 lead. The Firebirds responded just 1:18 into the second period when Eduard Sale scored his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Gustav Olofsson and Ty Nelson, to tie the game at one.
The two teams remained deadlocked throughout the remainder of the second period and nearly all of the third before Hayden broke through at 19:51, scoring the game-winning goal off a faceoff win from Ryden Evers to send the Firebirds to a dramatic victory on home ice.
Hayden's goal marked the second-latest regulation game-winning goal in Firebirds franchise history. The record belongs to Cameron Hughes, who scored with just seven seconds remaining in regulation on November 24, 2022, against the Calgary Wranglers in the franchise's sixth game.
Coachella Valley went 0-for-3 on the powerplay and successfully killed off Colorado's lone powerplay opportunity. The Firebirds and Eagles each finished the game with 28 shots.
The Firebirds now head to Tucson for a two-game series against the Roadrunners on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7. Both games are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. PT.
(Photo: Brandon Magpantay / Coachella Valley Firebirds)
By: NBC Palm Springs
November 4, 2026
Coachella Valley FirebirdsAHLLocal SportsJohn HaydenDerek LaxdalNikke KokkoPacific Division
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
78
After the Democrats flipped control of both the House and the Senate, victorious candidates celebrated their historic wins in victory speeches across the country.
144
Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms is the first Black female governor in US history.
552
In July, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was killed in Houston by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in a traffic stop as part of a “targeted operation,” ICE said. Voters are now leaving their “I Voted” stickers at his memorial site.
52
The Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival, presented by Agua Caliente Casinos, returns November 20–22, 2026, for a weekend of hot air balloons, live music and entertainment. Saturday, November 21: 6:30 PM – Robin Thicke performs live. 7:45 PM – Festival drone light show. Tickets and more information at www.cchotairballoonfest.com. #CathedralCity #HotAirBalloonFestival #RobinThicke #AguaCalienteCasinos #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #DroneLightShow #NBCPalmSprings
29
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you do your holiday shopping early or late?
307
HISTORY COULD BE MADE IN COACHELLA! 🇺🇸 Denise Delgado is taking an early lead in the race for Coachella mayor. If the results hold, she would become the first woman elected mayor in the city’s 80-year history! Votes are still being counted on Election Night. #Coachella #ElectionNight #Election2026 #RiversideCounty #NBCPalmSprings
95
Tonight we are hearing from both CA District 36 State Assembly candidates, after early polling has showed that Democratic nominee Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez is currently in the lead. However with less than half the votes counted still, Jeff Gonzalez says it’s too early to tell who will win. We will have future numbers here and our website nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #2026election #fyp #elections
239
BREAKING: NBC News projects Democrats have won control of the House. A major Election Night shift in Washington as Democrats secure control of the House of Representatives, changing the balance of power in Congress. What does this mean for President Trump’s agenda and the next two years in Washington? Stay with NBC Palm Springs for continuing Election Night coverage. #ElectionNight #Midterms2026 #Democrats #HouseOfRepresentatives ElectionResults NBCPalmSprin
232
Election Day is officially here and we’re closely tracking your Coachella Valley local races. Our @newsbyalondra is keeping a close eye on the city of Coachella’s mayoral and city council races. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs on air and online for your latest election coverage.
58
The California State Assembly District 36 race heats up between Jeff Gonzalez and Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez, and we have all the coverage here and on nbcpalmsprings.com #election2026 #nbcpalmsprings #district36 #fyp