HERSHEY, PA — The Coachella Valley Firebirds’ coaching staff was at Giant Center for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Hershey Bears and Cleveland Monsters.
Despite not knowing their opponent or the location for the start of the 2024 Calder Cup Finals, the Firebirds flew to Hershey late on Sunday, trying to gain any advantage they could after concluding the Western Conference Finals in five games.
The Firebirds practiced as a team at Hersheypark Arena Monday morning and the coaching staff later could be seen sitting in the upper deck of Giant Center. Firebirds head coach Dan Bylsma, with a notebook in hand, could be seen in a row of seats along with assistant coach Jessica Campbell and other staff members. Bylsma scribbled down observations throughout the game.
The Firebirds staff was first noticed at the game by Chocolate Hockey’s Andrew Kalista.
CV Firebirds head man Dan Bylsma taking in tonight's game 6 #HersheyBears @monstershockey
As the next @SeattleKraken bench boss I think it's greats Dan is seeing this through.#CalderCupPlayoffs #AHL #Kraken @HBHNationBlog
📸 @KalistaAndrew pic.twitter.com/wzBjmAmqZL
— Chocolate Hockey (@ChocHockey) June 10, 2024
The Calder Cup Finals could begin in Hershey this week if the Bears can eliminate the Monsters. If Cleveland can complete an improbable comeback, the championship series will begin in California, meaning Coachella Valley would have to travel back home for Game 1.
