Firebirds Fall To Bears In Game 4, Series Tied 2-2: Calder Cup Finals

PALM DESERT, CA —The Coachella Valley Firebirds, an affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken, are guaranteed a game six at Acrisure Arena Monday after falling to the Hershey Bears in game four of the Calder Cup Finals by the final score of 3-2.

Austin Poganski and Jesper Froden each tallied a goal in the Firebirds’ defeat that evens the series at 2-2.

"In a similar start to game three, the Bears scored the opening on the powerplay. Mike Vecchione netted his first goal of the series," a team spokesperson said. "The Firebirds tied the game on an Austin Poganski wrist shot at 12:41. Shane Wright made a slick pass to Poganski who roofed it. The secondary assist belonged to Brogan Rafferty."

The Firebirds failed to capitalize on three powerplays in the first 8:11 of the second period. Hershey used the momentum to pull together a pair of goals and escape the middle frame up 3-1.

Coachella Valley made it a one-goal game at the 7:01 mark of the third period. Jesper Froden on a great individual effort, wrapped around Hunter Shepard in the Bears’ net and put home his fifth of the postseason.

Hershey won 3-2 and even the best-of-seven series, 2-2.

Game five will take place this Saturday, June 17th at Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. pacific time, and be sure to visit a watch party to support the team.

Read the game’s full box score HERE.

SERIES SCHEDULE

Game 5 – Sat., June 17 – Coachella Valley at Hershey, 4 p.m. PT

Game 6 – Mon., June 19 – Hershey at Coachella Valley, 7 p.m. PT

*Game 7 – Wed., June 21 – Hershey at Coachella Valley, 7 p.m. PT

*if necessary

AWAY GAME WATCH PARTIES

Join your fellow Firebirds fans at Spotlight 29 Casino for the official watch party for the Calder Cup Finals. For all road games, come out to the Spotlight Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino. Doors open at 3pm and the game starts at 4pm PT. Admission is free and available for all ages!

Tickets are available for all remaining home games of the Calder Cup Finals. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to cheer on the home team at Acrisure Arena! Tickets are on sale now with individual tickets starting at just $29 and group tickets (10 or more people) beginning at $25. Visit CVFirebirds.com to purchase and learn more information.

Stay up to date on the latest Firebirds’ news and info by visiting CVFirebirds.com and by following the team on social media @Firebirds.

Season tickets for the Firebirds’ 2023-24 campaign are on sale now! For a full list of benefits and more information on Season Ticket Memberships for the 2023-24 season, click HERE or call 760-835-8778.