Bears head home with 3-2 series lead

CEDAR PARK, Texas – The Texas Stars and Hershey Bears are headed back to Pennsylvania after game five in the Calder Cup finals.   The trip was in marked contrast to the trip both teams took to Texas last week when the Stars held a seemingly commanding 2-0 series lead.   On this trip, the Bears are riding a 3-2 series based on a sweep of the three game set in Cedar Park.  

Photo courtesy of Just Sports Photography

The three straight losses did nothing to dampen enthusiasm for the Stars in the area though.   The Stars reported that more than 7,000 fans attended each game to cheer their team.   The Texas Stars were able to open up extra room at the Cedar Park Center by selling standing room only tickets. In 11 home playoff games, Texas has averaged 5,462 fans per game, including an astounding 7,033 for all three home games in the Calder Cup Finals.

The Calder Cup will be presented just up the road from where the Stanley Cup was presented just last week.  
 
The Stars were the first club to tag the Bears with back-to-back regulation losses this season.   That record was obliterated when the Stars took both of the games in Hershey to start the series strong.   That same magic will be needed this week as Texas needs to take both games to claim the title.  
 
On the player front, Hershey forward Steve Pinizzotto leads the Calder Cup Playoffs with 14 minor penalties. Texas’ Warren Peters is second with 13.
 
Game six is tonight at 6:00 PM (CST) and game seven, if necessary, is slated for Wednesday at the same time.  

The Texas Stars will host a Watch Party for Game 6 inside the bowl of Cedar Park Center. The Austin Diamond District Ice Girls will be on hand, providing numerous giveaways. The game will be broadcast on the four-sided HD video board above center ice and the audio of the radio broadcast will be played through the state-of-the-art sound system. Fans may sit in the Club Section and receive in-seat service for food and beverages. Admittance and parking to the event are free. The parking lot and doors at Cedar Park Center will open at 5:00 PM with the game starting at 6:00 PM. Cedar Park Center is running food and drink specials for the watch party.
 
The Stars have moved through more than a few obstacles this season.   This game six is the next in the path to their goal.   Look for Texas to force a deciding game seven with the Bears tonight.
 
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com