With the Firebirds’ regular season over for nearly a week, it is a time to reflect on who is leading the Pacific Division as they prepare to play against the Calgary Wranglers.
Firebirds at a Glance
From the outside, the Firebirds look like a similar team from last season, but they have improved in many ways this season. The Firebirds are second in the league with 103 points. They won 46 games while losing 15 games in regulation. They were able to push 12 games into overtime or shootouts. This ability to go play into extra time allowed the Firebirds to earn additional points and the top spot in their division.
Even though the Firebirds made it deep last season, a successful second season under their belt has allowed them to become an even more well-rounded team that can create plays on either side of the ice. This season, the Firebirds tallied 12 shorthanded goals, the highest such count in the Pacific Division.
Key Firebirds Players
Max McCormick
Max McCormick showcased offensive improvements this season, leading the team in goals with an impressive 32 in just 68 games. Compared to last season, McCormick shows growth as a shooter and can assist his team when needed, totaling 67 points. McCormick was able to show his ability to play both ends of the ice, as he maintained a stellar P/M of +20 this season, which was an improvement from his +15 last season.
McCormick’s special team presence is notable, as he contributed five powerplay and shorthanded goals. Throughout the season, he would be able to net five game-winning goals. McCormick finished the year with a shooting percentage of 19.6%, proving to be an offensive threat for the Firebirds.
Logan Morison
Logan Morrison showcased his talent throughout the season, appearing in 64 games and making significant offensive contributions. During his time with the Firebirds this season, Morrison scored 16 goals and 25 assists. He proved essential on special teams, tallying four power-play goals and adding a short-handed goal to his repertoire. Furthermore, Morrison would tally two shootout-winning goals, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.
John Hayden
John Hayden consistently contributed to the Firebirds this season, particularly in short-handed goals. Having notched three such tallies in the regular season, Hayden has honed his ability to read plays during penalty kills. This skill shows off his defensive prowess and ability to seize moments for the Firebirds.
Hayden’s ability to rise to the occasion was on display during the Firebird’s regular-season finale against the Gulls. With just over seven minutes left to play in regulation, he delivered a pivotal goal to tie the game at three. The goal is another reminder of his important role in the team’s success.
Chris Drieger
Chris Driedger emerged this season with a stalwart presence in net for the Firebirds, playing 39 games with exceptional consistency. Drieger posted an impressive 24-7-7-4 record this season, with his win count a new career-best. He has proven himself to be a capable netminder this season after Joey Daccord’s promotion to Seattle.
Driedger’s goals against average of 2.26 is a career best. He has only allowed 86 goals against this regular season over 39 games played in addition to four shutouts. Dreidger finished the season with a save percentage of .917%, which reflects his exceptional reflexes and composure under pressure. His success has been a massive factor in a great season for the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
