Coachella falls 5-1 against Tucson
Ben McCartney scored two goals in the 5-1 win for Tucson.
Tucson Roadrunners secured a 5-1 victory over Coachella Valley Firebirds in an AHL hockey game on December 28, 2024. Ben McCartney contributed two goals for the Roadrunners, who improved to a 5-2 season record. In contrast, Coachella Valley fell to 3-4. Head coach Derek Laxdal commented that the Firebirds' struggles are evident, with no notable positives recently.
The Firebirds lost back-to-back games, dropping below .500 on the year. The first period saw no goals until the final 30 seconds, when McCartney scored his third goal of the season, assisted by Cameron Hebig. Tucson took command in the second period, scoring three goals in the first five minutes. Austin Poganski and Tij Iginla tallied for Tucson, while Zac Jones recorded four assists.
A 10-minute game misconduct was issued to Nathan Villeneuve for fighting prior to puck drop. The Firebirds managed one goal in the third period, scored by Jagger Firkus with assistance from Kaden Hammell and Gustav Olofsson. Poganski and Hebig assisted again in the second goal for Tucson. The Firebirds continue their homestand on Friday against the Henderson Silver Knights, with a scheduled 7 p.m. game at Acrisure Arena.
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