Texas Stuns Hershey, Takes Game 1 of Calder Cup Finals, 2-1

June 3, 2010 - American Hockey League (AHL) - Texas Stars News Release





Hershey, PA - The Texas Stars (13-6) defeated the Hershey Bears (12-4) 2-1 on Thursday night in front of 10,013 fans at the Giant Center in Game 1 of the Calder Cup Finals. Left wing Scott McCulloch scored 2:10 into the third period to give Texas the lead and the Stars held on to win the first game of the series. Texas goalie Matt Climie (6-3) made 26 saves, handing Hershey its first loss at home in the playoffs (8-1) and the first loss since March 21st. Right wing Greg Rallo also scored, as Texas improved to 7-4 on the road in the playoffs. Hershey goalie Michael Neuvirth (10-3) stopped 24 Texas shots in the loss. Bears forward Francois Bouchard scored the lone Hershey goal. Texas will remain in Hershey for Game 2 of the Calder Cup Finals on Saturday night at 6:00 pm (CT).

After a scoreless first period, Hershey opened the scoring with the first goal of the Calder Cup Finals at 4:25 of the second period. Right wing Francois Bouchard wrapped the puck through the Stars crease and around goalie Matt Climie, scoring his third goal of the playoffs. Bears forward Mathieu Perrault and defenseman Patrick McNeil assisted on the opening goal. It marked the 11th straight game that Texas allowed the first goal of the night in the playoffs. The Stars countered to tie the game 1-1 at 9:57 of the period. Right wing Greg Rallo carried the puck through the neutral zone and snapped a wrist shot over the glove of Hershey goalie Michal Neuvirth. Rallo's second goal of the playoffs was set up by center Aaron Gagnon.

Texas claimed the lead at 2:10 of the third period. Winger Scott McCulloch carried the puck into the Hershey zone, stickhandled past a Bears' defenseman and lifted a backhand shot through the legs of Neuvirth for his third goal of the playoffs and a 2-1 final.

Calder Cup Finals Schedule (best of seven)

Game 1 - Texas 2 at Hershey 1 (TEX leads series 1-0)

Game 2 - Sat., June 5 - Texas at Hershey, 6:00 pm

Game 3 - Mon., June 7 - Hershey at Texas, 7:30 pm

Game 4 - Wed., June 9 - Hershey at Texas, 7:30 pm

*Game 5 - Fri., June 11 - Hershey at Texas, 7:30 pm

*Game 6 - Mon., June 14 - Texas at Hershey, 6:00 pm

*Game 7 - Wed., June 16 - Texas at Hershey, 6:00 pm

*if necessary... All times Central

To purchase a Calder Cup Finals playoff package, which offers fans the same seat for all three possible home games, fans may call 512-GO-STARS. To rent a suite for a home playoff game or book a group, those interested may call 512-GO-STARS. Individual tickets for playoff games at Cedar Park Center also can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000, visiting any Ticketmaster outlet or the Cedar Park Center box office, or online at ticketmaster.com.

The Texas Stars are asking fans to wear WHITE to Cedar Park Center for every home game of the 2010 Calder Cup Finals. For Game 3, the first, 5,000 fans will receive a Texas Stars playoff t-shirt, compliments of State Farm. For Games 4 and 5, the first, 5,000 fans will receive a pair of Texas Stars Thundersticks. Cedar Park Center will provide $2.00 domestic drafts and $1.00 hot dogs for all three home games.

Fans who want to watch Game 2 of the Calder Cup Finals may do so at Cedar Park Center. The Texas Stars will host a watch party 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 games starting at 6:00 pm. Cedar Park Center is running food and drink specials for the watch parties.

2010-11 Season ticket packages to see the Stars play in their second season at the Cedar Park Center are on sale now, starting as low as $12.00 a seat. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com. Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets, suites, group tickets or mini-plans may call the Texas Stars front office.

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