Winterton’s Four Point Night Leads Coachella Valley to 5-2 Win
The Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, defeated the Bakersfield Condors on Saturday night at Mechanics Bank Arena by the final score of 5-3. Ian McKinnon, Ryan Winterton (x2), and Lleyton Roed each scored in the Firebirds’ victory that moves the team’s record to 3-4-0-0.
QUICK NOTES:
- The Firebirds opened the scoring on a goal from Ian McKinnon just 3:06 into the first period. The goal was McKinnon’s first of the season and third with Coachella Valley. Eduard Sale earned the lone assist. Bakersfield tied the game on a goal from Daniel D’Amato at 13:47.
- Ryan Winterton converted on a shorthanded breakaway for his second goal of the season to give Coachella Valley a 2-1 lead. The goal was also Winterton’s second shorthanded goal of the season and was unassisted. 1:42 later, Winterton set up Lleyton Roed’s first tally of the year, finding Ben Meyers out in front of the net whose touch pass ended up right on the stick of Roed.
- Gustav Olofsson earned the secondary helper on Melanson’s third goal of the season at 5:50 of the third period.
- Cameron Wright pulled Bakersfield within two with a goal at 16:57.
- Winterton capped off the scoring with an unassisted empty net goal with 1:01 left to play.
- The Firebirds finished 0-for-4 on the powerplay and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.
- Coachella Valley outshot Bakersfield 33-26. Goaltender Nikke Kokko made 24 saves to earn his second victory of the season.
- Ian McKinnon, Mitchell Stephens, and Brandon Biro each dropped the gloves and received fighting majors in Saturday night’s game.
The Firebirds continue their road trip and head to Loveland, CO to face the Colorado Eagles on Tuesday and Wednesday. Puck drop for both games is 6:05pm PT.
Firebirds Return Home for Military Appreciation Night
The Firebirds return home to face the Ontario Reign on Sunday, November 10th for Military Appreciation Night, presented by Spotlight 29 Casino! Join the Firebirds as they celebrate the 80th anniversary of World War II. Visit Ticketmaster to get your tickets now! Puck drop is set for 3pm PT.
Get a jump on the 2024-25 Firebirds season with individual, full season, half season and 9-game Pick ‘Em Plan ticket packages on sale now! In addition to all Firebirds home games, full season ticket packages include access to the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Spotlight 29, along with special events, gifts, membership perks, and more!
Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.
