The Coachella Valley Firebirds are heading to the Calder Cup Finals after taking the Western Conference title Monday in a heated match against the Milwaukee Admirals played home at Acrisure Arena.
The Calder Cup Finals is more than a title match but a unique contest this year that pits the American Hockey League (AHL) newcomer against the long-established Hershey Bear, winners of the Eastern Conference.
"The oldest team in the AHL will face off with the newest team in the league in a best of seven series," the Firebirds shared on their website.
This special challenge is possible because the Firebirds proved their might against the Milwaukee Admirals Monday, gaining the Robert W. Clarke trophy as Western Conference champions, a Firebirds news release said.
The American Hockey League shared the moment AHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Hayley Moore presented the team with the Robert W. Clarke trophy via Twitter. "Get #FiredUp for your Western Conference Champs!" the AHL wrote. "American Hockey League Vice President of Hockey Operations Hayley Moore presented the @Firebirds with the Robert W. Clarke trophy tonight following their series-clinching victory."
The Firebirds' release described Monday's match, adding that left wing Tye Kartye scored two goals and put the Firebirds in front with a 4-3 game winning lead, while goalie Joey Daccord was at the peak for defense with 29 saves. Following this action, the Firebirds secured a 4-2 series win.
To get in on the Calder Cup excitement, here is the schedule from the Firebirds' official website: Game 1 – Thursday, June 8, Hershey at Coachella Valley 7 p.m.; Game 2 – Saturday, June 10, Hershey at Coachella Valley, 7 p.m.; Game 3 – Tuesday, June 13, Coachella Valley at Hershey, 4 p.m.; Game 4 – Thursday, June 15, Coachella Valley at Hershey, 4 p.m.; Game 5 (if necessary) – Saturday, June 17, Coachella Valley at Hershey, 4 p.m.; Game 6 (if necessary) – Monday, June 19, Hershey at Coachella Valley, 7 p.m.; Game 7 (if necessary) – Wednesday, June 21, Hershey at Coachella Valley, 7 p.m.
Opportunities to see if the Firebirds can hold onto their winning streak in the finals, according to the website, include catching games 1 and 2 on CW5. There will be a pre-game show hosted by Gino LaMont and Grand Fuhr at 6:30 p.m. followed by puck drop at 7 p.m.
When the Firebirds play out of town for games 4-6, a free viewing party welcomes fans of all ages to the Spotlight Showroom at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella with doors opening at 3 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now for all home games at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert. For more info visit CVFirebirds.com.