Seattle Kraken's Farm Team Awaits Calder Cup Final Opponent

The Coachella Valley Firebirds are no strangers to grueling playoff battles. During the 2022-23 postseason, they faced nail-biting series, going to the brink in each round. They defeated Tucson in a three-game series in the first round, needed all five games to oust Colorado in the second round, and survived a fifth-game overtime thriller to eliminate Calgary in the third round.

In the Western Conference Finals, the Firebirds dispatched Milwaukee in six games. However, their quest for the Calder Cup ended in heartbreak as they fell to the Hershey Bears in a seventh-game overtime in the 2023 Final.

The stage is set for a rematch as Hershey once again emerges as Coachella Valley's opponent in the 2024 Calder Cup Final. Hershey's Garrett Roe sealed their spot with an overtime goal at 7:38 of the extra session against the Cleveland Monsters, clinching a 3-2 victory in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. This comeback marked just the fourth time in AHL history that a team rallied from a 3-0 series deficit to win.

This year, the Firebirds have taken a smoother path to the finals. They earned a first-round bye by winning the Western Division regular season title. In the second round, after dropping the first game to Calgary, they won three straight to advance. They then swept Ontario in the Pacific Finals and defeated Milwaukee in five games, securing the Western Conference title for the second consecutive season.

Since finishing their series against Milwaukee, the Firebirds have been preparing for the final. They traveled to Hershey early, practicing at Hersheypark Arena to adjust to the Eastern Time Zone.

Initially, Coachella Valley was uncertain about their opponent but anticipated a rematch with Hershey, which has now become a reality. Games 1 and 2 will be at Giant Center in Hershey, with the rest of the series to be played as necessary.

Calder Cup Final Schedule

Game 1: Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Hershey Bears at Giant Center
Game 2: Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Hershey Bears at Giant Center
Game 3: Hershey Bears vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena
Game 4: Hershey Bears vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena
Game 5: Hershey Bears vs. Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena (if necessary)
Game 6: Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Hershey Bears at Giant Center (if necessary)
Game 7: Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. Hershey Bears at Giant Center (if necessary)

The Firebirds have had ample time to scout the Bears, thanks to their recent trip to Pennsylvania. Despite not facing each other during the regular season, Coachella Valley is ready to take on Hershey and aim for their first Calder Cup victory.

As seen Here -Hershey Bears release schedule for Calder Cup Finals against Coachella Valley Firebirds