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    Glenn Dreyfuss
    May 10, 2024, 20:00

    Also Friday: Coachella Valley Firebirds Can Wrap Up 2nd Round AHL Series

    Seattle Kraken fans with an eye to the future have two games to follow Friday.

    Seattle's AHL farm club in Coachella Valley hosts Game 4 of their 2nd round Calder Cup series against the Calgary Wranglers. The Firebirds, up two games to one, can wrap up the best-of-five with a victory tonight. More on that series below.

    Meanwhile, two Kraken 2022 draft choices go head-to-head for the Western Hockey League title. 2nd round pick Jagger Firkus, a center, leads his Moose Jaw Warriors against 4th rounder Tyson Jugnauth, a defenseman, and his Portland Winterhawks.

    Speaking of Firkus, the 61-goal, 126-point juggernaut (Jaggernaut?) was awarded the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year.

    The Winterhawks will host the first two games of the Final, tonight and Saturday in Portland. Here's the full schedule:

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    At Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, CA, the Firebirds will attempt to extend their playoff winning streak to three games. If they do, Coachella Valley will advance to the 3rd round of the Calder Cup playoffs.

    Here's some snaps from Wednesday's defense-optional Firebirds 7-5 win over the Wranglers in Game 3.

    There's nothing minor-league about Firebirds player introductions, as goalie Chris Driedger can attest.This could be among the last photos you see of Shane Wright (51) in a Coachella Valley sweater, as he's a near-lock to be with the Kraken next season.Ryan Winterton (27), who received a late-season audition with the Kraken, battles for the puck.Cameron Hughes (19) and his Firebirds teammates got to do a lot of celebrating in their 7-5 Game 3 win.Marian Studenic (34) scored twice, including one shorthanded. Let's hope his next stick contains as many goals as the one he gave away after the victory.