Overview
- Coachella Valley took a 1-0 series lead with a 3-0 road win Wednesday in Game 1 of the AHL Pacific Division Semifinals in Ontario, California.
- Firebirds goalie Nikke Kokko posted a 23-save shutout, while Reign starter Erik Portillo stopped 30 of 33 shots.
- J.R. Avon scored twice, including the power-play opener 4:44 into the second period that broke a scoreless game.
- Special teams swung the middle frame, as Coachella Valley went 1-for-4 and Ontario went 0-for-2 despite a four-minute chance from a double-minor high stick.
- Coach Andrew Lord said the Reign showed rust after an extended layoff from their first-round bye, and they now aim to even the best-of-five in Game 2 on Friday at 7 p.m. PST at Toyota Arena.