The Calgary Wranglers have advanced to the Pacific Division Finals of the American Hockey League (AHL) to continue their chase for the Calder Cup.

The Wranglers got a goal from Adam Klapka at the 12:41 mark of the third period last night (May 5) to pull out a hard-fought three games to one victory in the best of five with the Abbotsford Canucks.  All four games between the two all came down to one goal and last night's win was the first by the Wranglers in regulation time.

It also turned out to be a come-from-behind win.  The Canucks opened the scoring just 2:18 into the game.  Calgary would tie it later in the first on a goal by Cole Schwindt.  The Canucks would pull ahead late in the second to lead 2 - 1 after 40 minutes.

The Calgary comeback would start midway through the final frame when Ilya Solovyov fire a puck through several bodies and into the Abbotsford goal to even things up.  It all came down to Klapka's goal to put the win, and the series, away and send Calgary deeper into the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Their opponent in the best-of-five division finals will be the Coachella Valley Firebirds from California.  The first two games of the series will be Thursday, May 11th and Friday, May 12th at 7:00 pm each night in the Saddledome.  The third and, if necessary, fourth and fifth games will be played Monday, May 15th, Wednesday, May 17th and Friday, May 19th at Coachella Valley's home rink.  

Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com