A total of nine OHL alumni, six from the Coachella Valley Firebirds and three from the Hershey Bears, will face off in the 2023 Calder Cup Final of the American Hockey League Playoffs as the league’s oldest franchise takes on the newest one for AHL supremacy.
The AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, the Western Conference champion Firebirds advanced to the AHL Final with a 4-2 series victory over the Milwaukee Admirals as they look to take home their first-ever Calder Cup. Selected fourth overall by the Kraken in the 2022 NHL Draft, Windsor Spitfires forward Shane Wright has put up six points (2-4-6) in 17 playoff matchups, while Soo Greyhounds graduate Tye Kartye has also been a contributor, tallying seven points (5-2-7) in 11 playoff apperances.
The Coachella Valley playoff roster features a total of three players that skated in the OHL this past season, including Wright, North Bay Battalion blueliner Ty Nelson, and London Knights forward Ryan Winterton.
The AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, the Eastern Conference champion Hershey Bears defeated the Rochester Americans, making their way to the Finals for the 12th time in franchise history. Former London Knights forward Connor McMichael has recorded four goals and three assists (4-3-7) in 13 playoff outings. Sudbury Wolves graduate Mike Sgarbossa led the Bears in regular season scoring, tallying 21 goals and 37 assists (21-37-58). He put up three points (1-2–3) in four playoff contests but has been sidelined with an injury since May 4th.
A total of 122 OHL graduates were on rosters to begin the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs back in April.
The 2023 Calder Cup Final gets underway in Coachella Valley tonight at 10pm ET.
COACHELLA VALLEY FIREBIRDS ROSTER – OHL GRADUATES (6):
AHL Affiliate of the Seattle Kraken
Shane Wright (Kingston Frontenacs, Windsor Spitfires, 2019-23)*
Ryan Winterton (Hamilton Bulldogs, London Knights, 2019-23)*
Ty Nelson (North Bay Battalion, 2021-23)*
Ty Kartye (Soo Greyhounds, 2019-22)
Ian McKinnon (Peterborough Petes, Mississauga Steelheads, London Knights, 2015-18)
Ville Ottavainen (Kitchener Rangers, 2019-20)
HERSHEY BEARS ROSTER – OHL GRADUATES (3):
AHL Affiliate of the Washington Capitals
Connor McMichael (Hamilton Bulldogs, London Knights, 2017-20)
Mike Sgarbossa (Barrie Colts, Saginaw Spirit, Sudbury Wolves, 2008-12)
Matthew Strome (Hamilton Bulldogs, Erie Otters, 2015-19)
*-played in OHL during 2022-23 season
