The San Jose Barracuda entered their first road game of the 2026-27 American Hockey League season with a 2-4-0-0 record, traveling to Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, to face the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Friday, October 23.
The Barracuda snapped a three-game losing streak with a 5-4 victory over the Calgary Wranglers on October 16 at Tech CU Arena in San Jose. Forward Donavan Houle scored the game-winning goal in the third period, finishing with three points in the game. Captain Jimmy Huntington contributed three assists, demonstrating his continued leadership and offensive contributions early in the season.
Thomas Messineo recorded a goal and an assist, marking his first multi-point game in the AHL and extending his goal-scoring streak to two games. Rookie Andre Gasseau has been a notable scorer, tallying three goals over his last two contests and tying for second among all AHL rookies with four goals on the season. Goaltender Eric Comrie earned his first victory of the season by stopping 26 of 30 shots.
In roster moves prior to the Firebirds game, forwards Alex Barré-Boulet and Cam Lund were assigned to the Barracuda from the San Jose Sharks but did not play in the game against Calgary. Barré-Boulet was an AHL First Team All-Star last season and one of the league’s most productive forwards, while Lund was an AHL All-Star during his rookie campaign before an injury sidelined him.
The Barracuda are set for a two-game Southern California road trip, facing the Firebirds on October 23 and continuing against the San Diego Gulls on October 24, before returning home to Tech CU Arena to play the Abbotsford Canucks on October 27.
CSB Take
The San Jose Barracuda’s victory over Calgary provided a much-needed lift as they embark on a critical set of divisional road games. Donavan Houle’s game-winning goal and Jimmy Huntington’s playmaking underscore the team’s offensive potential moving forward. The recent roster additions from the Sharks organization bring experience and scoring depth that could prove decisive in the fiercely competitive Pacific Division matchups ahead. Maintaining this momentum against the Coachella Valley Firebirds will be essential for San Jose’s pursuit of a stronger standing as the season progresses.
Source: Original report
