Tag: Coachella Valley Firebirds

Barracuda fall to Firebirds 4-2 in midweek matchup

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San Jose Barracuda vs Coachella Valley Firebirds on Wednesday December 17th at Acrisure Arena (via coachellavalleyfirebirds/flickr)

By Madison Montez

The San Jose Barracuda took a tough loss to the Coachella Valley Firebirds 4-2 Tuesday night. After the Barracuda failed to keep the puck in their zone, Firebirds took advantage and scored for the first goal in Wednesday night’s midweek matchup in.

John Hayden put his team on top first, poking the puck in after many attempts. San Jose starting the third period on a powerplay and eventually getting 5 on 3 action, Oliver Wahlstrom scored his sixth powerplay goal to tie the game at 1-1. Mitchell Stephens, who beat the Barracuda to the puck, gave his team the lead again at 5:40 of the third period.

A minute into their third powerplay opportunity of the third period, Filip Bystedt tied the game at 2-2 a piece, scoring his third powerplay goal of the season. Picking up the ricochet and going coast to coast, Oskar Fisker Molgaard put his team ahead with 3:16 left of the third. To seal the win, Logan Morrison scored an empty net goal.

After the first period, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley nine to seven. After the second period, both teams had 14 shots on goal. After the third period, San Jose outshot Calgary 17-9. As a result, San Jose outshot Coachella Valley 40-30.

Both teams had a shot to show off their special teams. For San Jose, they went 2-5 on the powerplay. Coming into tonight’s game, San Jose came second on the powerplay and last on the penalty kill. For Coachella Valley, they went 0 for 5 on the powerplay. Coming into Wednesday night’s game, Coachella Valley came sixth on the powerplay and fifth on the penalty kill.

For San Jose’s Gabriel Carriere, this was his first matchup ever against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. For Coachella Valley, Nikke Koko got the start. Carriere, who recorded the loss, made 26 saves on 29 shots. After coming off of a 27 save win on the 12th, Carriere’s record is now 6-6-2-1. Koko who recorded the win, made 38 saves on 40 shots. After coming off of a 23 saves on 23 shots coming into relief, Koko’s record is now 9-4-1-1.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Nikke Koko
  2. Oskar Fisker Molgaard
  3. Oliver Wahlstrom

The Barracuda will be in action again on Saturday against the Ontario Reign for the first of four straight matchups between these two teams. The last time these two teams faced off was on Saturday November 15th when the Barracuda came out on top 4-3.

San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda host Firebirds Wednesday; Cuda were 7-1 against Coachella last season

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San Jose Barracuda forward Patrick Giles (54) takes the puck down ice against the Bakersfield Condors at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield on Sat Oct 17, 2025 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast Marko Ukalovic:

#1 What went wrong defensively for San Jose Barracuda in Saturday’s game against the Bakersfield Condors, given the Barracuda allowed multiple goals in key moments and ultimately lost by a narrow margin 2‑1?

#2 Did the Barracuda fail to capitalize on any power‑play or special teams opportunities, and if so, how did that impact the outcome?

#3 How did the goaltending matchup play out — was San Jose’s goaltender beaten by one or two mistakes, or did Bakersfield take advantage of strong chances?

#4 Was there a shift in momentum during the game for example, a period where San Jose dominated but failed to score, and could that explain how Bakersfield secured the win?

#5 The Barracuda face off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds Wed Oct 22 at Tech CU. The Barracuda had lots of success against the Firebirds last season going 7-1 do you see that happening again for this next game in San Jose?

Join Marko for the San Jose Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda host Condors Wednesday; San Jose defeated Bakersfield in last meeting

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San Jose Barracuda goaltender (32) Aaron Dell saved 26 shots, faced 30 shots and allowed four goals in a two goal loss to the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms CA on Sun Feb 23, 2025 (Coachella Valley Firebirds photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 The Coachello Valley Firebirds had a game plan and executed it well against the San Jose Barracuda on Sunday at Thousand Palms with a 5-3 win. The Firebirds scored twice in the first and second periods the Birds had a 4-2 advantage heading into the third period.

#2 Taking a review of Sunday’s scorers for the Firebirds first period Jani Nyman scored an unassisted goal at 48 seconds and Gustav Olofsson scored at 5:41. Barracuda answered right back with a goal from Danil Gushchin at 16:44 cutting Coachella’s lead to 2-1.

#3 Jagger Firkus scored the first goal of the second period at 7:42 and Ben Myers scored at 15:33 to help the Firebirds take a 4-1 lead. The Barracuda’s Andrew Poturalski scored his 21st goal of the season and cut the Firebirds lead to two goals 4-2.

#4 The Barracuda made a valent effort when Colin White scored at 19:14 to get San Jose within one goal making it 4-3. The Firebirds would add the last goal of the game coming away with a two goal 5-3 win when Logan Morrison scored at 19:58.

#5 Next up for the Barracuda the Bakersfield Condors on Wed Feb 26 a 7:00pm face off at Tech CU in San Jose. The Barracuda came away with a 5-4 win over the Condors in their last meeting Sat Feb 15th. How do you see this match up on Wednesday night.

Marko Ukalovic does the San Jose Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda get swept by Canucks in 3-2 loss, extend losing streak to three

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San Jose Barracuda center Andrew Poturalski (22) faces off with the Abbottsford Canucks enter Nils Aman (88) at the Abbottsford Centre in Abbotsford BC on Sun Jan 19, 2025 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

By Madison Montez

After almost completing the comeback last night, San Jose tried to get back in the win column and snap their two game losing streak. Danil Guschin and Thomas Bordeleau are still out of the lineup, Ethan Frisch draws back in after sitting out Saturday. The Barracuda extended their losing streak to three losing by a goal to the Canucks 3-2 in Abbottsford.

On San Jose’s first powerplay opportunity, they opened up the scoring at 7:06 of the first. Justin Bailey scored his seventh goal of the season, assisted by Andrew Poturalski and Luca Cagnoni. After a great feed by Cagnoni, Andrew Poturalski skated his way through the zone and scored his 16th goal of the season. Jack Thompson registered the secondary assist.

Barracuda penalties led to the Canucks cutting into their 2-0 lead. Nils Aman scoring his sixth of the season, Linus Karlsson and Jonathan Lekkerimaki registering the assists. Abbotsford tied the game at 17:13 when Cole McWard scored his third goal of the season. Lekkeriaki with his second assist of the night and Chase Wouters registering the secondary assist.

Starting the second period on a powerplay, Aatu Raty scored his seventh goal of the season, Tristen Nielsen and Nils Åman registering the assists.

San Jose took advantage of another power play opportunity at 16:51 when Luca Cagnoni scored his tenth goal of the season. Andrew Poturalski and Colin White registering the assists.

The Barracuda regained their lead at 00:07 of the third when Ethan Cardwell scored his fourth goal of the season. Jimmy Schuldt and Andrew Poturalski registering the assists. The Canucks tied it again at 1:19 when Linus Karlsson scored his 12th of the season. Ty Mueller and Sammy Blais registering the assists.

The Canucks sealed the win when Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored his 13th goal of the season. Aatu Raty and Arshdeep Bains registering the assists.

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  • 1. Jonathan Lekkerimaki
  • 2. Luca Cagnoni
  • 3. Arshdeep Bains

The Barracuda will be back in action on Wednesday January 22nd against the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Tech CU in San Jose.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda has Firebirds on the run both clubs meet again Thursday night

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San Jose Barracuda celebrate their win over the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Tech CU in San Jose on Sun Dec 8, 2024 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 The San Jose Barracuda edged the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Sunday afternoon 2-1 at Tech CU Arena in San Jose. The Firebirds Nikolaus Brouillard scored his second goal of the season at 9:36 in the first period to put the Firebirds on the scoreboard to kick things off 1-0. It was early but the Firebirds are a good club were there any fears or worries from the Barracuda bench?

#2 At 15:17 the Barracuda’s Thomas Bordeleau scoring his fourth goal of the season to tie up the game in the first period.

#3 Oh yes nice job by goaltender Georgi Romanov stopped 32 shots nice work in keeping the Birds out of the net.

#4 Game hero Barracuda Donavan Houle scored the go ahead goal at 10:32 making it 2-1.

#5 The Firebirds are a tough a club but for head coach John McCarthy and company to take a two game sweep from the Firebirds the Barracuda in second place moved four points on the third place Firebirds in the standings.

#6 The Barracuda take on the Firebirds at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert this Thu Dec 12th at 7:00pm PST. You got to see both clubs on Saturday and Sunday how do you see this match up in the desert this Thursday?

Join Marko Ukalovic for the San Jose Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda edge Firebirds 2-1 to sweep weekend series

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San Jose Barracuda forward Anthony Vincent (#76) battled for a puck alongside Coachella Valley Firebirds defenseman Cale Fleury during the blah blah’s 2-1 victory at Tech CU Arena on Sunday DEC 8, 2024. (San Jose Barracuda)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Donovan Houle scored the game winning goal in the third period to give the San Jose Barracuda 2-1 victory over the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Sunday afternoon at Tech CU Arena.

San Jose swept the weekend series and and has won five out of its past six games. Coachella Valley has lost five of its past six games.

Coachella Valley (11-8-1-2-25 points) drew first blood with an even strength goal near the halfway mark of the first period. Ville Ottavainen set up Nikolas Brouillard up at the point and the Firebirds defenseman blasted a slapshot past Cuda goalie Georgi Romanov for his second goal of the season at 9:36.

San Jose (14-6-0-1-29 points) scored the equalizer with a power play goal late in the opening frame. Shakir Mukhamadullin’s slap shot from the point was initially saved by Firebirds goalie Nikke Kokko, but the puck bounced out to Thomas Bordeleau who buried the rebound in for his fourth goal of the season at the 15:17 mark.

Tensions boiled over from last night as both teams danced the tango with the fisticuffs twice in the period. Tucker Robertson and Lucas Vanroboys fought at the 2:41 mark and then Ian McKinnon and Scott Sabourin battled it out on the ice with 24 seconds remaining.

“They (Coachella Valley) came out competitively tonight and I thought we matched them. I thought we responded appropriately. It’s good to take care of that side of it and get back to playing hockey,” Cuda head coach John McCarthy said.

Things calmed down in a scoreless second period. There were only two minor penalties in the penalty, both by San Jose. However, Coachella Valley weren’t able to cash in on either opportunity as once again the Barracuda penalty kill kept the Firebirds from taking the lead in the middle frame.

“You always talk about having your goalie be your best (penalty) killer. Askie (Yaroslav Askarov) has been huge for us. Tonight Gerogie (Romanov) was awesome. Also being on the same page and out competing their five guys with our four,” defensman Jimmy Schuldt said.

Houle’s game winning heroics for San Jose happened just past the halfway mark of the third period. Collin White sent the puck back up to the point. Mukhamadullin sent a wrist shot on net that was redirected by Houle that knuckleballed past Kokko for his fifth goal of the season at the 10:32 mark.

“I just tried to get to the net and get a stick on the puck,” said Houle on his game winning goal. “Luckily, I tipped it. It was a great feeling.”

Romanov (4-3-0) finished the game stopping 32 of the 33 shots he faced to earn his fourth win of the season and jump over the .500 mark for the first time this season. Kokko (6-1-1) suffered his first regulation loss of the season as he made 36 saves on 38 shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished 1-for-5 on the power play. Coachella Valley was 0-for-3.

The Three Stars of the Game: 1) Houle 2) Romanov 3) Bordeleau.

UP NEXT: San Jose begins a five-game road trip on Thursday 12/10 when they take on the Coachella Valley Firebirds at 7:00pm at Acrisure Arena.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda host Firebirds Wednesday night; Coachella faces improved San Jose team

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The San Jose Barracuda celebrate a two game sweep over the Henderson Silver Knights at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson on Sun Oct 27, 2024 (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 The San Jose Barracuda scored three goals in the third period to take control of a close game as they defeated the Henderson Silver Knights 5-3 took on Friday morning at Lee’s Family Forum.

#2 San Jose has won a season best four games in a row, including five of their first six games and swept its second straight series,

#3 Henderson has lost four games in a row and five of their first six to start their season. Their a struggling group are the Silver Knights a worthy opponent and Barracuda took care of business or were the Knights easy pickings for the Barracuda?

#4 How much of a factor has goaltender Yaroslav Askarov been in the recent success for the Barracuda in preventing goals against and do you see Askarov not long for joining the struggling San Jose Sharks and helping them out in net at the NHL level at some point?

#5 The Barracuda face off against the Coachella Valley Firebirds Wednesday night Oct 30th in San Jose. The Firebirds have always been a thorn in the Barraducda’s side. This year’s Barracuda have been getting some solid defense and had strong games against the Iowa Wild and most recently against the Knights. Will this match up be much different than past Barracuda and Firebird match ups?

Join Marko Ukalovic for Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Cuda’s best showing against Firebirds this season thanks to Romanov despite loss

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The San Jose Barracuda and the Coachella Valley Firebirds battled into a shootout Sat Mar 2, 2024 at Tech CU at San Jose (San Jose Barracuda photo)

On the San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko:

#1 San Jose Barracuda goaltender Georgi Romanov stopped 47 Coachella Valley Firebird shots at Tech CU on Saturday night he had a great night in front of the net.

#2 The Barracuda lost the game in spite of Romanov’s great effort 3-2 in a shootout. Ramanov might as well have been standing on his head but the Barracuda whose had trouble with the Firebirds all season just couldn’t finish.

#3 Nathan Todd picked up his tenth point to continue his point streak to seven game in a row.

#4 Marko talk about Barracuda goals scored by Scott Sabourin with his 15th goal of the season at 4:31 in the first period also a goal by Brandon Cole at 16:45 in the third period.

#5 The Barracuda open a four game road trip which begins Fri Mar 8th against the Texas Stars. The Barracuda face the Stars again on Sat Mar 9th, then for two games Mar16 and 17 at Rockford against the Icedogs.

Join Marko for the Barracuda podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda fall in shootout to Coachella Valley 3-2

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Barracuda. Danil Gushchin gets warmed up before a game (taken on 3/2/24).

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- Looking for redemption the Barracuda took on Coachella Valley in the second of back-to-backs this time at home.

The Barracuda were rocking a little bit of a different look tonight as they were sporting the Tigres Del Mar jerseys.

In goal for San Jose was Geogri Romanov who heading into this one he had a 6-8-5 record with a 3.42 GAA and .891 SV%. For Coachella Valley it was Ales Stezka in goal who was sporting a 12-5-1 record with a 2.60 GAA and .910 SV%.

Unlike the last time these two played each other San Jose was able to pull out front first with a goal from Scott Sabourin just 4:31 into the game. The goal was Sabourin’s 15th of the season with Nathan Todd getting the primary assist his 29th of the campaign.

San Jose would have an opportunity to extend the lead as Coachella Valley took a too many men penalty a few minutes later but were unable to convert.

Later in the period Coachella Valley had a chance of their own to tie the game as Artem Guryev took a holding penalty but the Barracuda would kill it off. Shockingly enough that penalty was the last one taken in the whole game.

The score remained 1-0 for a while until 14:35 into the second period when Jimmy Schuldt scored his fourth assisted by Barracuda killer Kole Lind.

Things continued to be tight as the tension ratcheted up in the third period with both teams throwing big hits. An injury would come though not on a big hit but rather on a dump in as Jacob MacDonald accidentally hit his teammate Jack Studnicka in the face with the puck. Thankfully Studnicka was able to get up but he was leaking quite a bit as he skated off the ice.

Then adding insult to injury the Firebirds scored on a rebound batted in by their captain Max McCormick. Right after the goal was scored the refs got togethor and after a brief discussion they waved it off deeming the goal to be batted in with a high-stick.

The tie was not preserved for much longer though as on a delayed penalty Coachella Valley scored on a one-time goal from Andrew Poturalski. The goal was his 12th of the season assisted by Cale Fleury and Gustav Olofsson.

The game looked bleak until Jordy Bellerive was able to find Brandon Coe springing the zone and he hit him with a breakaway pass. Coe would not miss as he made a beautiful move to the backhand and tucked the puck home tying the game back up at two.

The game remained tied and so free hockey was in store for the home crowd. Coachella Valley was able to generate some dangerous chances but as he had done all night Romanov stood tall making three saves.

With the score still tied it was time for a shootout with San Jose’s three shooters being Danil Gushchin, Ozzy Wiesblatt, and Brandon Coe. None of them were able to score but the Firebirds were able to get one from Devin Shore which was enough to secure the win.

With the loss San Jose now falls to 17-28-8 with Coachella Valley improving to 34-13-5.

Coachella Valley continues to be the bane of San Jose’s existence as the Firebirds are 13-1-0-0 when playing against them.

Of note was Romanov who played a stellar game making 47 saves and singlehandedly keeping San Jose in the game at points.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Ales Stezka 2nd: Georgi Romanov 3rd: Devin Shore

San Jose will have a little bit of a break before playing the Stars on Friday on the road at 5 p.m.

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda up for a tough challenge with Firebirds on Wednesday night at Tech CU

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The San Jose Barracuda got a lot of offense against the Bakersfield Condors on Sat Feb 17, 2024 at Mechanics Bank Arena in Bakersfield (San Jose Barracuda photo)

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic:

#1 Marko talk about how the San Jose Barracuda scored four power play goals on the Bakersfield Condors and how much that made up a difference in a 7-3 win at Mechanics Bank Arena on Saturday night.

#2 Talk about Cole Cassels who had one goal two assists with a team high of three points and turned out to be his first three point game of the season.

#3 Marko talk about the first period scoring Cassels with his seventh goal of the season, Nathan Todd his fifth goal of the season and Scott Sabourin his 11th goal of the season giving the Barracuda a 3-1 lead.

#4 Ethan Cardwell scored his 15th goal and Kyle Rau his fifth of the season in the second period and in the third period Jacob Peterson his ninth of the season and Anthony Vincent with his first of the season as the Barracuda came away with the four goal win.

#5 Marko, another tall order as the Coachella Valley Firebirds come calling at Tech CU. The last time the Barracuda faced the Firebirds last Thursday they were shutout 4-0 at Coachella Valley. Will Barracuda head coach John McCarthy have his offense turn it up a notch this Wednesday night 7:00pm PT.

Join Marko for the Barracuda podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com