The Coachella Valley Firebirds will try to extend the Calder Cup Finals to a decisive Game 7 when they face the Hershey Bears Monday evening in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
The defending champion Bears took a three games to two lead in the best-of-seven series with a 3-2 victory Thursday at Acrisure Arena with Jimmy Huntington’s goal with 3 minutes, 15 seconds to play proving to be the game-winner in a game the Firebirds led 1-0 and 2-1.
Hershey, the Washington Capitals’ American Hockey League affiliate, is trying to become the first team win back-to-back championships since the Bears won in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons. Hershey has won a record 12 Calder Cups, including last season when it defeated the Firebirds in seven games.
The Bears are 8-2 at Giant Center in the playoffs, including a 4-3 loss to the Firebirds in Game 1 of the series June 14. The Firebirds, the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, are 5-3 on the road in the playoffs.
A watch party will be held at Acrisure Arena with doors opening at 3 p.m. for the 4 p.m. game. Admission and parking are free.
The game will be televised by Fox 11.
Game 7, if necessary, would be played Wednesday, also in Hershey.