In Loveland, the Colorado Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak with a commanding 6-3 win over the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Alex Barre-Boulet was the star of the night, contributing a goal and three assists, while Ivan Ivan and Jason Polin also turned in impressive multi-point performances. Goalie Isak Posch stood strong in the net, stopping 21 of 24 shots, as the Eagles fired a season-high 46 shots on goal.
The Firebirds struck first, with Jagger Firkus finding the net just 5:05 into the game, weaving through the left-wing circle and delivering a sharp wrist shot to take an early 1-0 lead.
But Colorado responded with determination. Defenseman Jack Ahcan capitalized on a breakaway, launching a shot from the slot to tie the game at 1-1 with 16:32 on the clock in the first period. The Eagles dominated the shot count, outshooting the Firebirds 15-6 in the opening frame, yet the teams remained even as they headed into the first intermission.
Early in the second period, the Eagles took advantage of a power play. Jacob MacDonald charged into the zone and tucked a wrist shot between the circles, pushing Colorado ahead 2-1 at 4:08.
Coachella Valley didn't back down. Jani Nyman maneuvered through the left-wing circle, lifting a backhander past Posch to notch his 15th goal of the season, leveling the score at 2-2 with just 3:42 left in the second period.
The third period saw Colorado reclaim control. Polin pounced on a rebound in the low slot, scoring just 47 seconds in to make it 3-2. Ivan extended the lead to 4-2 with a precise wrister from the right-wing circle a mere 3:22 later.
The Firebirds fought back, with Jakov Novak muscling a shot from the top of the crease, cutting the deficit to 4-3 with 11:49 remaining. However, the Eagles held firm.
In a last-ditch effort, Coachella Valley pulled goalie Nikke Kokko for an extra attacker with 2:30 left, but Colorado sealed the deal with empty-net goals from Polin at 18:20 and Barre-Boulet 35 seconds later, cementing the 6-3 victory.
Colorado's special teams were effective, going 1-for-4 on the power play and perfect on the penalty kill. Despite Kokko's efforts, facing 44 shots, he took the loss for the Firebirds.
The Eagles are set to face the Bakersfield Condors next, with a home game scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th at 7:05 PM MT at Blue Arena. Fans can grab their tickets for the 2025-26 season by visiting ColoradoEagles.com or reaching out at (970) 686-SHOT (7468).