Bears even Calder Cup Finals

In an awesome sell out crowd atmosphere at Giant Center, the Hershey Bears took care of home ice with a 3-2 win over the Coachella Valley Firebirds to even up the Calder Cup Finals at two games apiece.

Now it’s a best of three beginning on Saturday night in the final game of the season in Chocolatetown. Tickets are already SOLD OUT!

Mike Vecchione powered the Bears offense with two goals and an assist. He struck first for Hershey with a power play goal at 4:27 of the first period. Mason Morelli’s shot was the primary assist as Vecchione banged home the rebound. Joe Snively had the secondary assist.

Austin Poganski tied it for the Firebirds at 12:41, beating Hunter Shepard. 1-1 was the score after one.

Vecchione added his second goal of the night at 3:03 in the second period. Logan Day and Henrik Borgstrom had the assists.

Ethen Frank scored his second of the playoffs in his second consecutive game with a goal at 14:24. 3-1 was the score after two.

Jesper Froden brought Coachella Valley within one at 7:01 of the third period. From then on it was the Bears defense including a few big blocks from Lucas Johansen that kept the game in their favor.

The Bears outshot the Firebirds 28-21. Shepard made 19 saves. The Bears were one for six on the power play. Their penalty kill stopped all four Coachella Valley power plays.

The series continues tomorrow night with Game 5 from Giant Center with both teams having won two games. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. and if you couldn’t score a ticket you can catch the game on either NBC Sports Washington or NHL Network.

Whoever wins tomorrow night will have the series lead heading into Game 6 out west. The Bears would love nothing more than to take that series lead in front of their loyal fans.