Abbotsford defeats Coachella Valley in shootout 5-4

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds fell in a shootout loss to the Abbotsford Canucks 5-4 on Sunday at Rogers Forum. The Firebirds came back from a three-goal deficit, but was unable to take the win in the shootout.

Abbotsford opened scoring with three first-period goals, including two from Trey Fix-Wolansky and one from Jacob Quillan. Jani Nyman put the Firebirds on the board with a powerplay goal at 4:56. Shortly after Nyman, Julius Miettinen scored at 8:45 to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Early in the third period, the Canucks regained a two-goal lead with a goal from Riley Patterson. To this, the Firebirds responded with two unanswered goals for the tie. Lleyton Roed found the net at 5:43 before Nyman netted his second powerplay goal of the game at 14:29 to tie.

Jagger Firkus recored the primary assist on Nyman's game-tying goals, recording his 100th career AHL point. Nyman also leads the AHL with eight goals for the season.

The Firebirds converted one shootout attempt with J.R. Avon, but the Canucks recorded two with Ben Berard and Fix-Wolansky for the win.

Despite the loss, the Firebirds earned a point in their rally to make their overall record 2-2-2-1.

Coachella Valley will wrap up its four-game road trip on Wednesday, October 21, against the San Diego Gulls at Pechanga Arena San Diego. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. PST.