Firebirds start fifth season, fall in overtime to rival Ontario Reign

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) -- The Coachella Valley Firebirds' home opener did not go as planned, losing 6-5 in a high-scoring game against the Ontario Reign.

The Firebirds celebrated the start of their fifth American Hockey League season Friday night at Acrisure Arena.

The Reign took the lead in the first period, but the Firebirds quickly tied it less than 30 seconds later with a goal by J.R. Avon, who would score twice tonight.

Eduard Sale put the Firebirds up 2-1 later in the first period. The new captain, John Hayden, doubled the lead just before the end of the period.

The Reign would make it 3-2 quickly as the second period started. Jani Nyman answered back in less than a minute to keep the two-score lead for the Firebirds.

The Reign scored again during a power play, making it 4-3. Nyman would score again during a power play late into the second period, but the Reign again kept it close just as the period was ending.

The Firebirds went into the third period with a 5-4 lead, which they protected up until nearly the end of the game. The Reign tied it up 15 minutes into the period during a power play.

The Reign scored less than a minute into overtime to win the game.

Jared Wright ends it for the @OntarioReign in OT👑 pic.twitter.com/fvnAYEAF8x

— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) October 3, 2026

The Firebirds will travel to Ontario to take on the Reign on Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the Firebirds all season long.