Goaltender Nikke Kokko Makes 36 Saves in 2-1 Loss to San Jose
The Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, fell to the San Jose Barracuda on Sunday at Tech CU by the final score of 2-1. Firebirds’ goaltender Nikke Kokko made 36 saves and suffered his first regulation loss of the season. Coachella Valley’s lone goal was scored by Nik Brouillard.
QUICK NOTES
- Nik Brouillard’s shot from the center point went through Barracuda goaltender Georgi Romanov to put the Firebirds ahead 1-0 at the 9:36 mark of the first period. Ville Ottavainen and Brandon Biro were credited with the assists on Brouillard’s second goal of the season.
- The Barracuda tied it on the powerplay thanks to a Thomas Bordeleau at 15:17 of period one.
- Following a scoreless second period, Donavan Houle scored on a redirection to give San Jose their first lead of the game halfway through the third period.
- The Firebirds outshot the Barracuda 13-8 in the third period and went to the powerplay with 3:58 left in the game but could not find the tying tally.
- Coachella Valley finished 0-for-3 on the powerplay and went 4-for-5 on the penalty kill.
- The Firebirds were outshot by the Barracuda 38-33.
- Nikke Kokko made 36 saves on 38 shots in the loss, his record is now 6-1-1-0 on the season.
- Following the loss, the Firebirds are now 11-8-1-2 on the year and 0-3-0-0 against the Barracuda this season.
Coachella Valley returns home on Thursday to battle the Barracuda again. Puck drop is set for 7pm PT. Get Buy One Get One tickets to any Firebirds’ home game through December 18th! Visit CVFirebirds.com to get yours today! BOGO offer valid online only, taxes and fees apply.
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.
One Valley. One Team. Rising Together.
About the Coachella Valley Firebirds
The Coachella Valley Firebirds are the AHL’s 32nd Franchise and the affiliate of the Seattle Kraken. The Firebirds are the league’s back-to-back Western Conference Champions and play their home games at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA. Visit www.cvfirebirds.com for the latest news and information.
About Acrisure Arena
America’s hottest music festival destination finally has the world-class arena it deserves. Opened December 2022, the Acrisure Arena provides the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue hosting the biggest artists and acts on the planet. Designed specifically for hockey and with optimal acoustics for concerts, the new arena provides top-tier hospitality, artist amenities, and all the benefits of a modern music and sports venue. In addition, the facility serves as the new home of the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
The Acrisure Arena is a $300+ million project that is being 100% privately funded through outstanding partners Oak View Group, Seattle Kraken, and Live Nation. Learn more at AcrisureArena.com and follow Acrisure Arena on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About the Seattle Kraken
Launched in 2021, the Seattle Kraken are the National Hockey League’s 32nd franchise and compete in the league’s Pacific Division. The 2024-25 season will be the Kraken’s fourth at Climate Pledge Arena. Visit www.nhl.com/kraken for the latest news and information including press releases, multimedia and content.
