Calder Cup Finals: Firebirds fall to Bears 3-2 in Game 4, series tied
The Hershey Bears took Game 4 of the Calder Cup Finals to tie up the series 2-2.
The Bears beat the Firebirds 3-2 at Acrisure Arena.
Game 6 of the #CalderCup Finals? CONFIRMED🤝@TheHersheyBears | #HERvsCV pic.twitter.com/ZD8EFHOVTL
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) June 21, 2024
With this result, it means the Firebirds won't be able to close out the series at home on Saturday. Win or lose, the series will return to Hershey, PA.
Firebirds head coach Dan Bylsma says Saturday is a "massive game." Series is all square 2-2. It'll be the final home game of the season for the Firebirds. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/UmxJCDloWB
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 21, 2024
Game 5 will be played Saturday at Acrisure Arena. You can watch it live on News Channel 3, coverage starts with the pre-game show at 5:30 PM.
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 11Game 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
*Game 7 only if necessary
The Firebirds were outshot the Bears 25-24. Coachella Valley’s powerplay finished the game 0-for-4 and went 5-for-6 on the penalty kill. Chris Driedger made 22 saves in Coachella Valley’s first home loss of the playoffs.
Game 4 reaction from Dan Bylsma and Todd Nelson. Calder Cup Fianls is all square 2-2 with a pivotal Game 5 on Saturday at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/1G7g8tI9Sq
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 21, 2024
Hershey struck first with a goal late in the 1st period.
10th of the playoffs for @efrank_98!
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 21, 2024
🍎Lapierre
🍏Häman Aktell https://t.co/YiBFQM8616 pic.twitter.com/CntrPVzs0C
After many chances, the Firebirds were able to tie the game thanks to a goal by Shane Wright.
— y - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) June 21, 2024
Shane Wright is growing up right in front of our eyes. His 4th goal of the postseason ties the game 1-1 in the 2nd period. @KESQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 21, 2024
The Bears took the lead back near the end of a chippy 2nd period.
Smooth like butter 🧈
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 21, 2024
Lappy breaks through on the road!
🍎Snively
🍏Frank https://t.co/Gf77owNWuJ pic.twitter.com/02g3fszGeB
The Firebirds tied it all up once again nearly 30 seconds into the 3rd period.
Ryker Evans goal. Firebirds score quickly in the 3rd period to tie the game 2-2. @KESQ
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) June 21, 2024
The Bears retook the lead a few minutes later during a power play, scoring what would wind up being the game-winning goal.
YES SHEP. 🫡🧑🍳 pic.twitter.com/6R2W0XLyzi
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) June 21, 2024
Pat Monahan, frontman of GRAMMY Award-winning band Train, and his son performed the National Anthem before puck drop. Additionally, American Idol winner and Coachella Valley resident Abi Carter held a special performance during the game where she announced her first major concert since winning the competition.
News Channel 3's Blake Arthur and Kenji Ito will have full coverage of the game. Tune in throughout the day.
Series Recap:
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.
The Firebirds were absolutely dominant in Game 3, beating the Bears 6-2.
Coachella Valley set a franchise record for most shots on a goal in a single period. Captain Max McCormick capped off an amazing night with a hat trick, the first in a Calder Cup Finals since 2009.