The Hershey Bears tied the Calder Cup Finals series 2-2 by defeating the Coachella Valley Firebirds 3-2 in Game 4, thanks to strong performances from their first line and goalie Hunter Shepard. Ethen Frank, Hendrix Lapierre, and Joe Snively each scored, with Lapierre leading the AHL in postseason scoring. The series will return to Giant Center for Game 6.
Dan Bylsma has been named the new head coach of the Seattle Kraken but remains committed to leading the Coachella Valley Firebirds in their pursuit of the Calder Cup. Bylsma's successful tenure in the AHL, where he developed young talent and created a winning environment, impressed Seattle's management. He aims to bring his refined coaching skills back to the NHL, having previously won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh and the Jack Adams Award.
The Hershey Bears win their 12th Calder Cup in a thrilling overtime Game 7 victory over the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The assistant captain Mike Vecchione scores the game-winning goal 16:19 into overtime. Hershey came back from a 0-2 deficit to win the championship, which they last won in 2010. The Bears were outshot in the first period and trailed 2-0 in the second period before scoring two goals to tie the game. The game went to overtime, where Vecchione scored the game-winning goal.
The Hershey Bears won their 12th American Hockey League title, defeating the Coachella Valley Firebirds 3-2 in overtime in Game 7 of the Calder Cup final. Michael Vecchione scored the game-winning goal at 16:19 of overtime. Hershey coach Todd Nelson won his second Calder Cup, becoming one of three head coaches to win the championship with two teams. The Firebirds were the first team to reach the final in their first season since 2010.
The Hershey Bears defeated the Coachella Valley Firebirds in overtime of Game 7 to win the Calder Cup. Bears goaltender Hunter Shepard was named Finals MVP with 45 saves in the game. The Firebirds had a strong start, leading 2-0 in the second period, but the Bears came back to tie the game and force overtime. The Bears ultimately scored the game-winning goal to win 3-2. This was the Firebirds' inaugural season and they had an incredible journey to reach the Calder Cup Finals.
The Hershey Bears defeated the Coachella Valley Firebirds in overtime of Game 7 to win the Calder Cup. Bears goaltender Hunter Shepard was named Finals MVP with 45 saves in the game. The Firebirds had a strong start, leading 2-0 in the second period, but the Bears came back to tie the game and force overtime. The Bears ultimately scored the game-winning goal to win 3-2. This was the Firebirds' inaugural season and they had an incredible journey to reach the Calder Cup Finals.
Game Seven of the Calder Cup Finals between the Hershey Bears and Coachella Valley Firebirds will be available to watch for free online via AHL TV. The game will be played in Coachella Valley and begins at 10 pm Eastern Standard Time. The victor will raise the Calder Cup at the end of the night. Both teams have won every home game in the series, setting up the pivotal Game Seven.
The Hershey Bears lost game 6 of the Calder Cup finals to the Coachella Valley Firebirds by a score of 5-2, forcing a winner-takes-all game 7 on June 21 at 10 p.m. at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California.
The Hershey Bears lost to the Coachella Valley Firebirds 5-2 in Game Six of the Calder Cup Finals, tying the series at three games apiece. Hershey will need to win Game Seven on the road if they want to win their 12th Calder Cup. The Firebirds scored three unanswered goals in the first period after Hershey took an early lead, and their potent power play proved effective once again. The Bears have lost all three of their games at Acrisure Arena.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Hershey Bears 5-2 in Game 6 of the Calder Cup Finals, forcing a Game 7 with the series tied at 3-3. The Bears are still one win away from their 12th Calder Cup, but will have to upset home ice advantage in the final game on Wednesday. The Firebirds dominated the Bears in the first period, scoring three straight goals to take a commanding 3-1 lead. The home team has won every game of the Calder Cup Finals.
The Hershey Bears won Game 5 of the Calder Cup series against the Coachella Valley Firebirds with an overtime goal, taking a 3-2 series lead. The Firebirds must win their next two games at home to win the championship. The teams have yet to lose at home in this series. Game 6 will be played at Acrisure Arena on Monday.
The Coachella Valley Firebirds had to change hotels ahead of Game Five of the Calder Cup Finals due to the busy summer season in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The team is now staying 40-plus minutes away from Hershey’s Giant Center. The Calder Cup Finals are now tied two games apiece after Hershey won Games Three and Four at home.
Shane Wright, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has had a whirlwind rookie pro season, playing for four different teams as Seattle has tried to maximize his experience and make the most of rules in his entry-level contract. Wright has tallied three points — all assists — in four championship series games thus far, including two breathtaking plays in Games Three and Four in Hershey. Wright is one of Coachella Valley’s most raw but talented players, and his utilization in the bottom six is part of what makes the Firebirds such a dangerous and quick-strike team.
The Hershey Bears defeated the Coachella Valley Firebirds 3-2 in Game Four of the Calder Cup Finals, tying the series at two games apiece. Mike Vecchione scored twice and Ethen Frank added another goal to lead the Bears to victory. Jesper Froden scored for Coachella Valley, but Hershey held on for the win. The Bears' first-line players, who had been mostly silent this postseason, stepped up in a big way.
The NHL Network will air the remaining games of the Calder Cup Finals between the Coachella Valley Firebirds and Hershey Bears. The games will also be available on NBC Sports Washington, AHLTV, and NHL Network Radio. The Bears are down 2-1 in the series and will look to tie it up on Thursday.