Calder Cup Finals: CV Firebirds beat Hersey Bears 6-2 in Game 3; Take 2-1 series lead
The Coachella Valley dominated Game 3 of the Calder Cup Finals to take a 2-1 series lead.
The Firebirds beat the Bears 6-2 at Acrisure Arena.
BURNING UP🔥@Firebirds | #HERvsCV | #CalderCup pic.twitter.com/FQpYU8g1vh
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) June 19, 2024
"The Captain" Max McCormick was the star of the game, scoring a hat trick to cap off an amazing night for the team and its fans. It was the first hat trick in a Calder Cup Finals game since 2009.
Captain Max McCormick had a hat trick tonight in the first home game since becoming a Dad. His daughter Mia was born June 2 so it's been an exciting but crazy time for the McCormicks. Max credits his wife for handling business at home while he handles the hockey. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/Rk9WVlfrlL
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 19, 2024
The Firebirds set a franchise record for most shots on a goal in a single period, recording 23 during the 2nd period. The previous high was 21, which they've done twice this season.
Might be the shortest answer I've ever gotten from Dan. Granted, it wasn't a question that called for a lengthy answer but I think this was a historic moment for us 😂
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 19, 2024
Firebirds are up 2-1 on the Bears in the Calder Cup Finals. Game 4 Thursday at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/jLjGufYvTw
The Firebirds will be back at home for Game 4 on Thursday. You'll be able to watch that game live on CW, coverage starts at 6:30 p.m.
Game 1 – Fri., June 14 – Coachella Valley at Hershey, 4 p.m. - FOX 11Game 2 – Sun., June 16 – Coachella Valley at Hershey, 2 p.m.Game 3 – Tue., June 18 – Hershey at Coachella Valley, 7 p.m. - FOX 11- Game 4 – Thu., June 20 – Hershey at Coachella Valley, 7 p.m. - CW 5
- Game 5 – Sat., June 22 – Hershey at Coachella Valley, 6 p.m. - ABC News Channel 3
- *Game 6 – Mon., June 24 – Coachella Valley at Hershey, 4 p.m. - FOX 11
- *Game 7 – Wed., June 26 – Coachella Valley at Hershey, 4 p.m - FOX 11
*Games 6, 7 are only if necessary
Max McCormick scored twice in the 1st period.
that's our captain 🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/DOMctB9ruP
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 19, 2024
The new Dad, Captain Max McCormick gets the Firebirds on the board first. 1-0 CV less than 3 minutes into Game 3. @KESQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 19, 2024
https://t.co/GbmeC1GTHq pic.twitter.com/0IP6fH3fSb
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 19, 2024
After two early goals by Coachella Valley, Hershey got on the board just before the halfway point of the 1st period.
Ryby cuts the deficit in half with his fifth of the playoffs!
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 19, 2024
🍎Miroshnichenko
🍏Vecchione https://t.co/mWEYQ9aU6b pic.twitter.com/Zyv04qWNJi
The Bears tied the game up early in the 2nd period during a power play.
The power play converted early in the second on this @LimogesAlex redirect.
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 19, 2024
🍎Frank
🍏Snively https://t.co/9S35QVFuju pic.twitter.com/6neTJFXv2o
But the Firebirds came right back to retake the lead thanks to a goal by Lleyton Roed, his first in the AHL playoffs.
LET'S GO ROEDIE! pic.twitter.com/6Ixg1BCsAs
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 19, 2024
Coachella Valley doubled their lead late in the 2nd period with a goal by Ryan Winterton.
BIRDS UP BY 2 pic.twitter.com/yKxcL4mTQl
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 19, 2024
The Firebirds looked to completely ice the game, as a Shane Wright goal put the Firebirds up by three near the halfway point of the 3rd period.
ON FIIIIIIRRREEE!! pic.twitter.com/iZpZWmHLa9
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 19, 2024
McCormick capped off the win with an empty net goal to get his hat trick.
BIRDS LEAD 6-2 🧢🧢🧢 pic.twitter.com/KbemsIRO6P
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 19, 2024
Tonight is a much-needed return home for the Firebirds, who have been out in Hershey for quite some time.
The Firebirds' last home game was Friday, May 31st. Long time. You bet the Birds are happy to be home. It also helps that they're 6-0 this postseason at @AcrisureArena. Game 3 of the Calder Cup Finals is tonight vs @TheHersheyBears. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @Qassignmentdesk @Tarp1969 pic.twitter.com/NmgWyTEvzH
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 18, 2024
With the Bears tying up the series at 1-1, Firebirds forward Luke Henman and head coach Dan Bylsma are ready to come back to the valley for Games 3-5. @KESQ @BlakeArthur24 @Tarp1969
— Kenji Ito (@KenjiitoKESQ) June 17, 2024
Shoutout to @allieberube and @JaredL_Phillips of @abc27Sports with the assist. pic.twitter.com/tuE697gc4r
The Firebirds took Game 1 in Hershey in what became a close game. Coachella Valley pulled out ahead with a 4-3 victory.
Game 2 on Sunday was a different story, however, with the Bears coming out on top 5-2.
Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage of the Calder Cup Finals series.