A full team effort by the Coachella Valley Firebirds led to a 7-2 victory over the Tucson Roadrunners. Throughout the first and second period of play, the Roadrunners would make it hard for the Firebirds to get it into their zone. That would not stop the Firebirds from being able to make it in and hold onto a lead throughout the game. The Roadrunners would be able to hold the Firebirds to a one goal lead, until the third period of play. Four different Firebirds were able to find the back of the net in the final frame.
Marian Studenic
Marian Studenic is no stranger from the Coachella Valley score sheet, as he has regularly scored or having an assist for the last few games. Friday was an unusually quiet game for Studenic, but he was able to bounce back from it. Saturday evening, he was able to end up on the score sheet four times, earning him the first star of the game. He would assist Hayden on a goal in the second period, and would come back ready for the third period.
Studenic would open up scoring for Coachella in the third period at the 3:11 mark with his 13th of the season. His goal would give the Firebirds their two goal lead they were looking for all evening.
He would later get the secondary assists on Ryan Winterton and then John Hayden’s goals.
John Hayden
Following Friday’s win over San Diego, forward John Hayden would score another two goals for the Firebirds. His first goal opened the second period. This would give Coachella Valley their first a two-goal lead. The celebration did not last long because Roadrunner center Curtis Douglas answered 17 seconds later.
Hayden did not finish there. In the third period he was able to net one more at 14:46.
Firebirds Goaltending
Chris Driedger got the start in goal and only allowed one goal out of the 10 shots he faced. When the teams returned for the second period, Ales Stezka took over in goal. It still remains unclear the reason for Driedger’s exit after one period of play. Even though there was a goaltending change, the momentum would still hold on in net.
Tucson would outshoot Coachella 17-9 and then 12-9 in the final two periods. Stezka stopped 28 of the 29 shots fired his way and only allowed one goal.. The shared goaltending performance played a big factor in Coachella Valley’s win.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season winds down, the Firebirds look to continue to hold onto their first-place spot. They currently lead the Pacific Division with 78 points, followed by the number two seed Colorado Eagles at 69 points. In their last two games Coachella Valley has given a full team effort from top to bottom. It’s been a big reason why they have back-to-back wins this weekend. This kind of game play and momentum will allow for a push into the Calder Cup Playoffs.
