PALM DESERT, Calif. — In a first of three games away from home, the Hershey Bears lost Game 3 of the Calder Cup Finals 6-2 to fall behind in the series 2-1.
Despite scoring first in games 1 and 2, it was the Firebirds that got on the board first in Game 3 just over two minutes into the contest. Firebirds Captain Max McCormick banged in a loose puck in front of the net to Coachella Valley up 1-0 early.
It wasn't long until the Firebirds found the back of the net again. McCormick was left alone in front of the net just under 5 minutes later and scored his second of the game to put the Firebirds up 2-0.
However, the Hershey Bears responded next when a nice Mike Vecchione pass broke free Ivan Miroshnichenko and Henrik Rybinski for a two-on-one. A late cross ice pass from Miroshnichenko to Rybinski found the back of the net to cut the deficit in half 2-1.
Out of the gate in the 2nd period, the Bears took advantage of a Kole Lind high-sticking penalty. On the powerplay, Alex Limoges deflected a shot taken by Ethen Frank from the point that got passed Chris Driedger to even the game 2-2.
The Firebirds retook the lead under 3 minutes later, when Lleyton Roed snuck a loose puck passed Hunter Shepard. With 4 minutes left to play in the frame, Ryan Winterton went top shelf to extend the lead 4-2. The Bears went into the 2nd intermission getting outshot 33 to 15.
Under 13 minutes to play in regulation, Shane Wright stepped in front wiring a shot top corner to make it 5-2 and ended Hunter Shepard's night, with Clay Stevenson coming in as a replacement. The Firebirds added an empty net goal with 1:36 left to play and win 6-2.
The Bears will look to bounce back in Game 4 on Thursday, June 20.
2024 Calder Cup Finals TV Schedule | Hershey vs. Coachella Valley
- Game 1 | Coachella Valley wins 4-3
- Game 2 | Hershey wins 5-2
- Game 3 | Coachella valley wins 6-2
- Game 4 | Thursday, June 20 | 10pm | Palm Desert, CA | FOX43 / FOX43.2 / MNMT
- Game 5 | Saturday, June 22 | 9pm | Palm Desert, CA | FOX43.2 / MNMT
- Game 6* | Monday, June 24 | 7pm | Hershey, PA | FOX43.2 / MNMT
- Game 7* | Wednesday, June 26 | 7pm | Hershey, PA | FOX43.2 / NHL Network / MNMT
