Coachella Valley Defeats Hershey to Take 1-0 Lead in Calder Cup Finals
June 15, 2024 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Coachella Valley Firebirds News Release
The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeated the Hershey Bears in game one of the Calder Cup Finals on Friday night by the final score of 4-3. Forwards John Hayden and Ryan Winterton each scored twice to help the Firebirds take a 1-0 series lead.
The Bears started the scoring just 1:15 into the game as a puck ricocheted off the skate of Firebirds' defenseman Ryker Evans past Chris Driedger. Coachella Valley responded with a shorthanded breakaway goal courtesy of John Hayden at 6:34. Hayden stole the puck at the blue line, sped into the offensive zone and ripped a shot past Hunter Shepard to tie the game at one. The Firebirds took their first lead of the game at 13:52 on a nice finish from Ryan Winterton from a Logan Morrison feed. Cameron Hughes set up the play from the neutral zone to make it 2-1.
Winteron netted his second goal of the game in the middle period after he was set up from behind the net by Ville Ottavainen. Cameron Hughes picked up his second assist of the game on Winterton's third goal of the playoffs at 9:49. The Bears found their way within one on a goal from Hardy Haman Aktell but once again the Firebirds answered. John Hayden turned and snapped a shot on goal that leaked through Shepard to put Coachella Valley ahead by two once again.
In a penalty-filled third period, Hershey scored the lone goal as Hendrix Lapierre cashed in on the powerplay with less than two minutes remaining, but Coachella Valley hung on to win by a final score of 4-3.
The Firebirds outshot the Bears 23-19 to move to 11-2 in the playoffs. Coachella Valley's powerplay finished the game 0-for-4 and went 4-for-5 on the penalty kill.
The two teams will meet again in Hershey this Sunday, June 16th for game two. Puck drop at Giant Center is set for 2pm PT.
Click HERE view the game's full box score.
Tickets for the Calder Cup Finals are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com or at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Acrisure Arena. Click HERE for box office hours, watch party and other postseason information. Box office hours subject to change
Don't forget to purchase parking and save 20% by paying in advance online at ParkWhiz.
GET YOUR GEAR!
The Firebirds team store is stocked with new playoff merchandise! Buy online in advance and skip the lines with priority pick-up options or stop by the team store outside of Acrisure Arena. Hours are listed below:
Sun-Mon: Closed
Tues-Thurs: 11AM - 7PM
Fri-Sat: 11AM - 8PM
*Game Days: 10AM - 2PM
*Closed on Concert Days*
TICKET UPGRADE
Looking to enhance your experience for a Firebirds game? Upgrade any ticket for access to The Compound, the newest VIP space at Acrisure Arena offering fans access to a stunning outdoor space featuring private bar, food, exclusive Firebirds merchandise options, covered seating, firepits along with access to a variety of backyard games from putt-putt and pickleball to cornhole and bocce ball and more! Upgrade options are available at the game.
Don't miss a moment of Coachella Valley Firebirds' hockey! Group tickets are available for all 2024 postseason home games. For more information call 760-835-8778.
Get a jump on the 2024-25 Firebirds season with season tickets on sale now! In addition to all Firebirds home games, season ticket members will have access to the 2025 AHL All Star Classic presented by Spotlight 29, along with special events, gifts, and more!
Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds' news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.
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American Hockey League Stories from June 15, 2024
- Coachella Valley Defeats Hershey to Take 1-0 Lead in Calder Cup Finals - Coachella Valley Firebirds
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