The Chicago Wolves became the third team to clinch a berth in the Calder Cup 2004 Playoffs on Saturday night.
The Wolves dropped a 5-2 decision to Utah, but Houston’s 3-2 loss in Norfolk guaranteed the Wolves a trip to the postseason for the third year in a row since joining the AHL. Chicago won the Calder Cup in its first season, back in 2002.
Each of the first three invitees to the AHL postseason came from the West Division, as Chicago joined Milwaukee and Grand Rapids in the field of 20.
On Sunday, Hartford became the first Eastern Conference team to have its playoff ticket punched, mathematically wrapping up a berth when Portland dropped a 4-0 decision to Providence.
The Wolf Pack will participate in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the seventh straight season. They won the championship in 2000.
