It’s a rematch between the Hershey Bears and the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs. The stage is set for one of the longest distance battles in the American Hockey League to determine a champion. A year ago, this matchup went all seven games and then some, going into overtime. Mike Vecchione’s goal delivered the Bears their 12th Calder Cup, and the teams will do battle once again.
Inside Coachella Valley
The Firebirds return to the Calder Cup final after a five-game series against the Milwaukee Admirals. Something that has become normal for the Firebirds during this playoff is their time between series: with a first-round bye, making easy work of the Wranglers, sweeping the Reign, and finishing off Admirals before the end of the Eastern Conference Finals. This rest has worked in Coachella’s favor. The Firebirds achieved a nine-game win streak as a result.
Coachella finished the regular season leading the Pacific division in points, an improvement from last season. They are thirsty for what could have been theirs last season. The Firebirds aim to win their first-ever Calder Cup.
Inside Hershey
The Bears got to the Calder Cup Finals in a dramatic seven game series with the Cleveland Monsters. Much like last year’s Finals, the series went to overtime in Game Seven before Garrett Roe’s goal lifted Hershey to the win. This season marks the 25th time in Bears history that they’ve played for the Calder Cup. The Bears aim to win their third-ever set of back-to-back titles in team history.
Hershey finished the regular season with the best points percentage in team history. As the Bears have learned from their last series, it doesn’t mean much if execution is not there in the playoffs. Despite playing plenty of games recently, the Bears aim to enter this series ready for action.
Coachella Valley Players to Watch
Chris Driedger
Throughout this postseason, Driedger has been consistent for the Firebirds, playing in all 12 games so far and dropping only two. Notably, he had a shutout game in round two. There have only been three times that Driedger has not kept his team in the game. Driedger dropped two games, the first game of round two and game five against the Admirals. In game two against the Wranglers, Driedger did allow three goals in the third, pushing the game into overtime.
Something that Driedger has yet to face in this playoff is much overtime action. The only time so far was game two of the Pacific Semifinals against the Wranglers, as the Firebirds start a nine-game winning streak. Driedger has become a brick wall for the Firebirds, most of the time.
Driedger’s stats further highlight his reliability. He faced 383 shots, resulting in a save percentage of .927 and a goals-against average of 2.31%.
John Hayden
During the playoff run, Hayden had only scored three goals, but his determination surged as he prepared for the series against the Admirals. He displayed a remarkable turnaround, significantly elevating his performance. Throughout the Western Conference Finals, Hayden found the back of the net five times and earned an assist, showcasing efficacy on the ice. He included impressive goals scored both on the power play and while his team played short-handed. This surge in productivity highlighted Hayden’s invaluable contribution to the team’s offensive power.
Starting with the first game of this round, Hayden immediately asserted his dominance on the offensive end. He would account for Coachella’s only two goals. Notably, he netted his first goal during a power play opportunity in the opening period. This set the tone for his performance.
In game five of the series against Milwaukee, Hayden once again proved to be the catalyst for Coachella’s success. Right from the start, he demonstrated his scoring prowess by notching two goals in the opening frame. Hayden would find the back of the net again in the second period to complete the hat trick on a short-handed play.
Devin Shore
The Firebirds have only played 12 games so far this playoffs, and Shore has produced in nine of those games. Shore averages .92 points per game, leading his team by 11 points. Shore can make positive plays for his team, as six out of those 11 points come from assists.
In game five against the Admirals, Shore earned both a goal and an assist. His first point of the night came off Hayden’s second goal on the power play. Shore would earn his goal in the same period, earning his fifth goal of the playoffs.
In short, the other team should be worried when Shore is on the ice, as he has produced so much this postseason. It will be hard and could be a challenge for the Bears to keep him at bay.
Hershey Bears Players to Watch
Hunter Shepard
The Bears would not be in the Calder Cup Finals without the play of Hunter Shepard. He made 42 saves on 44 shots in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals and leads all netminders statistically. In Hershey’s series with the Cleveland Monsters, Shepard and the Bears were tested and pushed to the brink. He’s allowed more than three goals just twice over 14 postseason games.
In short, Shepard has given his team a chance to win in each game he’s started. He’s had good help in front of him from his teammates, and the team’s defensive structure will be important in this series. The Bears are at their best defending well in their zone, which starts with Shepard.
Pierrick Dubé
One of Hershey’s top goal scorers in the regular season, Pierrick Dubé made a major statement in his return to the lineup. After losing numerous teeth earlier in the series, Dubé told the staff he would be playing in Game 7. He’d score an important power play goal crucial to Hershey’s efforts.
In his first lengthy professional playoff run, Dubé’s scoring touch will be essential to the Bears. He’ll be counted on to continue his strong play while the team might be without Ethen Frank. Dubé has been excellent for the Bears this season, and the spotlight has never been brighter than it is right now.
Hendrix Lapierre
Hershey’s sensational sophomore has been as advertised in the playoffs. He’s been an important part of the power play and has racked up 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) as the league’s leading scorer. Lapierre is in the midst of a breakout season after spending much time with the Washington Capitals. He’s making his case to be one of the latest graduates to the NHL full time in the fall.
Lapierre’s speed and hockey IQ have been on full display in these playoffs. He’s been paired with complimentary players like Joe Snively and Ethen Frank to fuel his production. All told, he’s been Hershey’s top forward for good reason, and he’ll be relied upon to be at his best in this series.
An additional key for the Bears will be depth production. Hershey has a lot of players known to chip in points at key times. All 12 forward players will have to bring it at full capacity in order to win this series.
Predictions
Karen: This will be the first time that the Firebirds will face off against a team with a better regular-season record than them. Yet, they have a chip on their shoulder from last year’s cup final. This team is more well-rounded than last year’s, as well. The Firebirds have a battle but are coming into this series well-rested. Firebirds in six.
Corey: This will be a tall task for the Bears, the toughest they’ve faced yet. That’s saying a lot considering how difficult the series with the Cleveland Monsters was. However, the Bears have been forged in the fires of difficult playoff hockey as a result. They’ve had to play their best hockey and win tough battles. Hershey will be ready for war and take the series in six games at Giant Center.
What Next
The Coachella Valley Firebirds will face another rematch this playoffs, the Hershey Bears. Coachella will lose home-ice advantage, as play for the Calder Cup begins in Hershey on Friday, June 14 at 7:00 ET.
