McCormick Scores Late to Gain Point, Coachella Valley Falls in Shootout to Texas
The Coachella Valley Firebirds, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, fell to the Texas Stars on Saturday night in a shootout by the final score of 4-3. Max McCormick netted three points including the game-tying goal with 36 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, earning the Firebirds’ their tenth straight game with at least a point. With the shootout loss, the Firebirds’ record moves to 10-5-1-2.
QUICK NOTES
- The Firebirds scored the game’s first two goals: John Hayden netted his third of the season at 5:52 of the first period, assisted by Max McCormick, to give Coachella Valley a 1-0 lead. Ben Meyers finished off a nifty passing play set up between McCormick and Cale Fleury for his third of the season at 11:02 of the second period.
- Texas scored twice in a six-minute span to tie the game in middle frame with goals from Chase Wheatcroft and Curtis McKenzie.
- The Stars found their first lead of the game with just 1:28 left in the third period on a Matej Blumel goal.
- Coachella Valley pulled goaltender Ales Stezka for the extra attacker and Max McCormick tied the game with 36 seconds left in regulation. The goal was the captain’s fifth of the season and was assisted by Meyers and Fleury.
- After killing off a penalty in overtime, the Firebirds got the game to a shootout. Coachella Valley was blanked on all three tries and a goal from Texas’ Artu Hyry proved to be the winner.
- This was the fourth time in the last five games that the Firebirds needed overtime/shootout to decide a winner.
- Ales Stezka made 31 saves on 35 shots to move to 4-5-0-2 on the season.
- The Firebirds were outshot by the Stars 35-29.
- Coachella Valley’s powerplay finished 0-for-2 and the penalty kill finished 3-for-3.
Read the game’s full box score HERE.
The Firebirds continue their homestand this Tuesday, December 3rd as they host the Henderson Silver Knights. Puck drop is set for 7pm PT. Visit CVFirebirds.com to get your tickets now!
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! Click HERE to learn more about securing your seat for next season!
Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.
