Relive the electrifying moments of the Calder Cup Final as the Hershey Bears clinch their 12th American Hockey League title in a thrilling Game 7 showdown against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Brace yourself for an epic overtime victory that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
After a hard-fought battle, Michael Vecchione becomes the hero of the night, scoring off a rebound at 16:19 of overtime to secure the championship for the Hershey Bears with a 3-2 triumph over the expansion Firebirds. Witness the incredible determination and skill showcased by both teams throughout this nail-biting contest.
The Hershey Bears, affiliated with the Washington Capitals, refused to back down despite trailing 2-0. Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre stepped up in the second period, rallying their team and leveling the score. Hunter Shepard’s outstanding goaltending performance, making an impressive 45 saves, played a pivotal role in the Bears’ victory.
Celebrated coach Todd Nelson secures his second Calder Cup, having previously guided Grand Rapids to the title in 2017. Joining the elite company of Bun Cook and John Paddock, Nelson becomes one of the few head coaches to win the Calder Cup with two different teams.
Coachella Valley Firebirds put up a valiant effort in their inaugural season, with defenseman Ryker Evans and captain Max McCormick leading the charge. Joey Daccord’s remarkable 35 saves showcased his goaltending prowess. Despite falling short, the Firebirds made history as the first team to reach the final in their debut season since the 2010 Texas Stars.
Experience the game-changing moments as Evans opens the scoring for Coachella Valley, followed by McCormick’s impressive goal to extend the lead. Hershey’s comeback begins with McMichael’s power-play goal, and Lapierre’s timely tip-in ties the game. The intensity builds towards an unforgettable overtime climax, culminating in Vecchione’s decisive goal that seals the Bears’ championship glory.
Don’t miss this captivating recap of the Calder Cup Final, showcasing the passion, skill, and resilience displayed by both teams. Join us as we celebrate the Hershey Bears’ remarkable journey to victory and pay tribute to the impressive performance of the Coachella Valley Firebirds in an unforgettable season of AHL hockey.
