Hockey Takes Over the Coachella Valley: Cactus Cup and Firebirds in Action

Hockey Takes Over the Coachella Valley: Cactus Cup and Firebirds in Action

Hockey fever has swept through the Coachella Valley this weekend. At Acrisure Arena, the inaugural Cactus Cup began with four top collegiate teams battling for supremacy. In today’s opening match, 10th-ranked UMass Lowell faced off against Michigan Tech, bringing passionate fans to the desert.

"We came all the way from Minneapolis to support our buddy Nicholas Williams," said a dedicated fan. "Shoutout to all the moms who made this trip happen!"

The Cactus Cup continues tomorrow with games scheduled at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are still available for fans eager to catch the action.

Meanwhile, the Coachella Valley Firebirds are preparing for an eventful weekend. After a narrow shootout loss to the Ontario Reign last Saturday, they’ll face their rivals again tomorrow night, with puck drop at 6 p.m. On Sunday, the Firebirds return to Acrisure Arena to take on the San Diego Gulls for "Hockey Is for Everyone" night. Sunday’s game begins early at 5 p.m.

Coach Dan Laxall expressed optimism for the Firebirds following their impressive New Year’s Eve win against the Colorado Eagles, which he called the team’s best performance of the season.

Hockey enthusiasts can look forward to a weekend packed with thrilling games and unforgettable moments as the Coachella Valley cements itself as a hub for hockey excitement.