Andrew L. John

Andrew L. John, Palm Springs Desert Sun The Coachella Valley Firebirds clinched home ice throughout the Western Conference of the Calder Cup Playoffs on Sunday, but it wasn't one of the usual suspects that got them there.

Coachella Valley will now look to regain some momentum with two final regular season games against the San Diego Gulls.

The fourth pick in the 2022 NHL Draft looks ready for the big leagues, but first there's some unfinished business in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Firebirds will now be off for a week on a postseason bye before starting the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Andrew L. John, Palm Springs Desert Sun Angelica Villarreal won the long jump and broke her own school record in the triple jump on

The Firebirds will begin their quest for the Calder Cup this week, following a first round bye for having the best record in the American Hockey League's Western Conference.

A star during last year's run to the Calder Cup Finals, the 22-year-old blueliner is back after playing 36 games in the NHL.

Coachella Valley won the most road games in the AHL, scored the most road goals and also allowed the fewest goals away from home this season.

The single goal was the fewest the Firebirds had scored since being shut out by the Wranglers on March 27. Game 2 of the series is Sunday

Had they lost, the Firebirds would have had to win three consecutive games at home this week to stave off elimination.