Hershey, Pa. (theahl.com)… The Calder Cup Finals are all even after the Hershey Bears’ 3-2 victory over Coachella Valley in Game 4 at a sold-out Giant Center Thursday night.
The best-of-seven series squares off at two games apiece as the Bears prepare to host Game 5 on Saturday.
Mike Vecion scored two goals and an assist, Ethan Frank scored for the second consecutive game, and Hunter Shepard He turned 19 shots as part of a defensive effort that was stopped by Hershey.
Vecchione had gone 10 games without a goal before opening the scoring on a powerhouse 4:27 into the contest. After the Firebirds tied the game, Vecchione scored again early in the second period and then put up Frank’s final game winner with 5:36 left in the middle frame.
The Bears were a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty shootout after the Firebirds were 5-for-14 with the man advantage over the first three games.
Austin Bagansky And Jesper Freudin He scored for Coachella Valley, who have lost five of their last six road games.
Notes: Attendance was 10,687, fourth straight Finals crowd…Hershey’s was 1-for-6 on power play in Game 4…Home team is 4-0 in the series…Bears are now 4-1 in one-goal games this Postseason. The Firebirds are 5-7… Coachella Valley is down to 3-8 in games as they enter a series lead.
P2-Coachella Valley Firebirds vs. A2-Hershey Bears
Game 1 – Thursday 8th June – Coachella Valley 5, Hershey 0 | Conclusion/highlights
Game Two – Saturday, June 10 – Coachella Valley 4, Hershey 0 | Conclusion/highlights
Game 3 – Tuesday, June 13 – Hershey 5, Coachella Valley 4 (OT) | Conclusion/highlights
Game Four – Thursday, June 15th – Hershey 3, Coachella Valley 2
Game Five – Saturday, June 17 – Coachella Valley in Hershey, 7:00 p.m
Game 6 – Monday, June 19 – Hershey’s at Coachella Valley, 10:00 a.m
* Game Seven – Wednesday, June 21 – Hershey’s at Coachella Valley, 10:00 a.m
* If needed…all times eastern
Photo: Tory Hartmann/Hershey’s Bears