Shane Wright Nearing Completion of AHL Apprenticeship

Shane Wright burst onto the ice in the third period of Game 2 of the Calder Cup Final on Sunday, displaying the kind of speed typically reserved for Triple Crown winners. His Coachella Valley Firebirds were trailing the Hershey Bears 3-1 at Giant Center, but Wright wasted no time making an impact.

From the opening faceoff, the Seattle Kraken's 2022 first-round draft pick surged down the right wing and fired a shot on goal. When the Bears failed to clear the zone, Wright deftly maneuvered past two defenders and set up Martin Studenic, who scored to narrow the gap to 3-2.

Although Hershey ultimately won 5-2, tying the series at 1-1, Wright was lauded by the Coachella Valley radio broadcast as "the best player for the Firebirds all night long."

The series now shifts to Acrisure Arena for Games 3, 4, and 5 on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. These games might be the last chance for Firebirds fans to see Wright in action before he likely starts next season with the Seattle Kraken.

In a memorable performance in Game 1 of the Calder Cup Final, Wright returned to the ice after a six-game absence due to an injury sustained against the Ontario Reign on May 18. He contributed significantly, taking four of the Firebirds' 23 shots on goal in their 4-3 victory over Hershey.

Despite a powerful hit from Hershey defenseman Dmitry Osipov, Wright quickly bounced back, demonstrating resilience and readiness. New Seattle Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who aims to cap his AHL tenure with a championship, acknowledged that Wright was eager to return to the ice during the Western Conference Finals against Milwaukee.

«He was pushing to get back in, and he was close," Bylsma told AHL.com's Patrick Williams. "You see him skate out there the last few days with us, and he looks pretty comfortable out there.»

As Wright's AHL apprenticeship nears completion, both Seattle Kraken and Coachella Valley Firebirds fans are excited for his promising future.