Abbotsford Canucks fought hard but could not capitalize against the Coachella Valley Firebirds

JEN FIELD/GATG

April 3, 2026 marked the final homestead for the Abbotsford Canucks against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The last time these teams met was for a single game face off in January, where Coachella won 3-0. Abbotsford looked to carry the winning momentum from last weekend's series into this final matchup.  

Braden Birnie made his debut as an Abbotsford Canuck, after completing his time in the NCAA.

The first period began with both teams getting a number of chances on net early on, but neither were able to capitalize. 

The game was fast paced with few whistles blown, and clean game play. Dropped passes and turnovers were kept to a minimum on both sides leading to the game moving quickly.  

Arshdeep Bains went to the box at 16:44 in the first for slashing, giving Coachella the man advantage. Abbotsford came close to a short-handed goal in the opening moments of the penalty kill. 

Coachella’s Jani Nyman went to the box at 17:45 in the first for hooking, putting the game 4-on-4. Abbotsford was successful on their penalty kill. Coachella was also successful on the penalty kill. 

The first period ended 0-0. 

The second period started hot with both teams battling for the opening goal. 

Bennett Schimek went to the box 36 seconds into the period for hooking, putting Coachella on the power play. Abbotsford had another chance at a short-handed goal, but could not capitalize. They were successful on the penalty kill. 

A scuffle broke out behind the Abbotsford net after Carson Rehkopf sprayed Jiří Patera on a stop, leading to an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty at 4:24 in the second, giving Abbotsford the man advantage. Coachella’s John Hayden scored short handed at 4:48 in the second. 

Abbotsford had a number of chances on the power play but couldn’t find the back of the net, leading to a 1-0 deficit. 

Jack Thompson went to the box at 9:48 for high-sticking, giving Coachella the man advantage. Coachella’s Logan Morrison went to the box at 10:35 for tripping, putting the game 4-on-4 for just under a minute. Abbotsford was successful on the penalty kill. Coachella was also successful on the penalty kill. 

Coachella’s Gustav Olofsson went to the box at 15:45 for roughing, putting Abbotsford on the power play. Coachella was successful on the penalty kill. 

Tensions flared throughout the second period, leading to Danila Klimovich going to the box at 19:17 for cross-checking, giving Coachella the man advantage. 

The second period ended 1-0 for Coachella. 

Abbotsford started the third period short-handed, and were successful on the penalty kill. 

Both teams continued to battle hard. Abbotsford looked to tie the game, while Coachella looked to get their second of the night. 

Physicality ramped up in the last half of the third period, with both teams looking for a goal. 

Abbotsford continued to battle hard but Coachella’s Cooper Marody scored at 17:27 in the third. 

Abbotsford pulled their goalie with just under 2 minutes remaining in the game for the extra man. 

Despite a number of close calls Abbotsford could not find the back of the net, leading to a 2-0 victory for Coachella. 

The Abbotsford Canucks and Coachella Valley Firebirds face off again tomorrow night at 7 pm, PST at Rogers Forum, for the last home game of the season.