Post Game: Grizzlies 4, Wranglers 1

And Utah completes its sweep of the Wranglers.

While we know the boys have it in them, we weren't expecting this, particularly with the slow start the Grizzlies had in the 1st. But Utah picked things up and by the 2nd period, the match was looking a lot more like Wednesday's game.

The PK was looking sharp once again, killing all 5 short-handed situations.

Matt Clarke was awarded a goal after being smacked down in front of an empty net. It seemed a bit odd to us, but apparently it's standard to award a goal if a player is hauled down on an uncontested breakaway in front of an empty net. Hey, we're not going to complain.

Andrew Engelage was on his game tonight, stopping 38 of 39, with the one goal allowed a serious beauty of a slapper through traffic from the point. Any other chances Vegas had were stopped short by the 6'5" goalie, whose save percentage now sits at 0.923. Awesome job.

Victoria tomorrow night at 7:05pm.

Stars of the Game -

1. UTA - C. Donovan
2. UTA - B. Parnham
3. UTA - A. Engelage

Links -
post game || Grizzlies Beat Vegas Again: Win 4-1
gamesheet || Las Vegas at Utah - 12/17/10
highlights || Game Highlights 12/17/10 vs Las Vegas
interview || Kevin Colley 12/17/10 post game
interview || Michael Gergen 12/17/10 intermission

Post Game: Thunder 3, Grizzlies 2

Grizzlies make a comeback, but it's not quite enough.

There were plenty of punch in the face contests in this one, but it didn't seem to push the momentum Utah's way. Though we have to admit we really enjoyed Tim Crowder's fight. He doesn't seem like the type to run his mouth, so when he dropped his gloves you could tell he meant business. And how!

Matt Clarke got tossed nearing the end of the 1st. Denny said he threw a tantrum; they didn't show it on the B2, so we won't speculate.

Both of the Grizzlies goals were on the man advantage, where Utah went 2 for 7. Marcus Carroll picked up both of the power play goals with Matt Sorteberg contributing to both as well. Nicely done, boys. Deeth picked up the second assist on the first goal, and Ruegsegger added to his points on the second. Good job by the PP unit on both of those goals.

Maybe a loss on the road means a win at home? Guess we'll find out.

Stars of the Game -

Meh - all Stockton. So enjoy this short clip of Tim Crowder's one fight last season in Victoria instead:


Links -
post game || Stockton Holds On: 3-2 Over Utah
gamesheet || Utah at Stockton - 12/11/10
highlights || Game Highlights 12/11/10 at Stockton
interview || Michael Gergen 12/11/10 intermission

Grizzlies Live - Hell yes, we listened!

Yep, we tuned in to Grizzlies Live last night. Good times!

Denny was joined by Matt Clarke, Marcus Carroll, and Matt Sorteberg for the hour show. The broadcaster and the boys discussed the upcoming series against Alaska, Marcus Carroll's linemate Donovan, and the different styles of their netminders Engelage and Lamoureux. We've picked out some random highlights to comment on.

Matt Clarke is vying for Chief Nicknamer. Clarke admitted one of his past times was trying to make different nicknames stick for the boys. His current goal is to get Marcus Carroll dubbed "Baby Marcus," and apparently he had a "good one" for Sorteberg last season, which Sorty pretended not to remember. (Can't blame you, Sorty.) But as nicknames come and go, we're sure Clarke will have his work cut out for him.

Denny and the boys went over the league as well commenting on Condor Tordjman's suspension, and former Grizzly Vandermeer's psychotic moments during a game against Las Vegas. We've commented on these already in previous posts, so we won't go into detail here. Denny, however, was excited to ask the Wrangler's head coach how Vegas managed to NOT score on a 10 minute power play. Ouch . . .

The talk of hullabaloo around the league eventually gravitated toward the professionalism of the Grizzlies, prompting Clarke to state that he believed in the addage: "Look good, feel good, play good" and admitting he liked how he looked in a suit, so the dress code was okay by him. We actually can't believe we don't have a picture of Clarke in a suit, but look at that pose!


They ended by quizzing Sorteberg in which we learned that Sorty did a promo for recycling that they still show in Idaho, Matt estimated Denny as commentating 800 games (it's only 400), and that the Grizzlies' bus driver's name is Paul. Marcus Carroll for the assist on the last question!

Next Grizzlies Live broadcast is on November 30 at 7pm.

Game 1: Steelheads 7, Grizzlies 2

Against a team like Idaho, the Grizzlies just can't bank on that miracle 3rd period we've become accustomed to in the last half of the season.

The Steelheads picked up the first two goals of the game at 13:02 and 13:55 in the 1st. Utah responded before the end of the period with a goal of their own, 2-1. In the 2nd, Idaho struck at 13:02 again with another goal, then increased the deficit on the power play before the Grizzlies scored a power play goal of their own to make it 4-2 heading into the 3rd period.

In the 3rd period, Idaho scored 3 goals in approximately 1 1/2 minutes, which resulted in Morrison being replaced in net with Stehrenberger who stopped all 10 shots he saw. Utah struggled to close the 5 goal gap but to no avail. The game ended 7-2 in Idaho's favor.

From the official post game:

The Idaho Steelheads broke open a 4-2 third period score and defeated the Utah Grizzlies 7-2 Friday night in Boise in game one of the National Conference semifinals. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Drop Game One In Boise
highlights || Game Highlights 4/16/10 at Idaho
gamesheet || Utah at Idaho - 04/16/10
interview || Brock Wilson 4/16/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

IDH M. McKnight (1), 13:02 1st period (Tousignant); Steelheads 1, Grizzlies 0
IDH M. McCutcheon (1), 13:55 1st period (Flichel, Milnamow); Steelheads 2, Grizzlies 0
UTA M. MacMillan (2), 18:06 1st period (Clarke, May); Steelheads 2, Grizzlies 1
IDH J. Swanson (1), 13:02 2nd period (Dickson); Steelheads 3, Grizzlies 1
IDH M. McCutcheon (2), 15:29 2nd period (Barlow); Steelheads 4, Grizzlies 1
UTA R. Kinasewich (6), 19:31 2nd period (Hunter, Sixsmith); Steelheads 4, Grizzlies 2
IDH E. Barlow (1), 5:54 3rd period (Dawson); Steelheads 5, Grizzlies 2
IDH M. McKnight (2), 6:35 3rd period (DeVergilio); Steelheads 6, Grizzlies 2
IDH J. Dickson (1), 7:27 3rd period (Flichel); Steelheads 7, Grizzlies 2


What Worked Well: Penalty Kill
The penalty kill was one of the only times the Grizzlies looked alive on the ice during this match. Killing a 5-on-3 and only dropping 1 out of 8, the PK put up some amazing defense to kill off the shorthanded situations Utah continually found themselves in. If Utah had this sort of determination during 5-on-5 situations, this would have been a different game.

What Could Have Worked Better: Staying out of the box
The high penalty count seems to be happening on a pretty regular basis. We don't like it. It takes the boys away from the business of scoring goals and leaves them - for the most part - stuck in their own end. Clean it up, please.

Who Made the Difference: Mike Morrison
While Mike did get pulled in the 3rd, we're guessing it was not soley because of the 7 goals, but to give the poor kid a rest. Morrison stood on his head in the match and made plenty of amazing saves. He's the reason the score was only 4-2 going into the 3rd and considering some of those saves, we're honestly surprised there were only 7 goals allowed rather than 14.


Stars of the Game:

1. IDH - M. McCutcheon
2. IDH - M. McKnight
3. IDH - M. Tousignant


Additional Notes:

> Mike Morrison stopped 35 out or 42 in the match. Stehrenberger stopped 10 of 10 that he saw.
> We really can't think of any additional notes here . . .

Game 4: Grizzlies 4, Wranglers 2

The Grizzlies pulled out another stunner of a 3rd. Just when we thought things couldn't get any worse, they got better. The boys collected a 3 goal final period and pushed the series to Game 5.

Las Vegas picked up an incredibly quick goal 0:13 into the 1st. The Grizzlies answered at the halfway mark with a power play goal to tie the game, but the Wranglers responded before the end of the period, 2-1. The 2nd period was scoreless and quite lackluster for both teams as Mike Morrison held Las Vegas from advancing their lead.

Utah came alive in the 3rd, scoring 3 goals on 7 shots. Brian Kilburg tied the game at 6:47, and Tim Crowder gave the Grizzlies their first lead of the night just over 4 minutes later. Kinasewich added to his playoff total with an empty netter to end the game 4-2 in Utah's favor.

From the official post game:

The Utah Grizzlies scored three third period goals to defeat the Las Vegas Wranglers 4-2 Sunday evening at the E-Center. The Utah win ties the 2-3 ECHL best-of-five series at two games apiece with game five scheduled for Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at the E-Center. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Third Period Comeback Forces Deciding E-Center Game Five Tuesday
highlights || Game Highlights 4/11/10 vs Las Vegas
gamesheet || Las Vegas at Utah - 4/11/10
photos || 4/11/10 - Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers
interview || Kevin Colley 4/11/10 post game
interview || Matt Sorteberg 4/11/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Photo of the Game:


3rd period - The bench celebrates after Tim Crowder's game winning goal.
Additional Photos: [Flickr]




Scoring Summary:

LV C. Neiszner (3), 0:13 1st period (Collins); Wranglers 1, Grizzlies 0
UTA L. Galbraith (1), 9:59 1st period (Sixsmith, Perry); Wranglers 1, Grizzlies 1
LV R. Weston (2), 18:48 1st period (Goers); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 1
UTA B. Kilburg (1), 6:47 3rd period (Sixsmith, Hunter); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 2
UTA T. Crowder (3) 10:51 3rd period (Clarke, May); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 3
UTA R. Kinasewich (3), 19:57 EN 3rd period (Sixsmith, Clarke); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 4


What Worked Well: 3rd period
The final 20 minutes were an entirely different game from the first 40. At the end of the 2nd period the arena was completely dead, and we suspected that any glimmer of a Game 5 was as well. However, the Grizzlies really picked things up after Kilburg tied the game and were able to turn things around completely with 3 goals (Kilburg, Crowder, Kinasewich) in the 3rd and wake the crowd back up for their win.

What Could Have Worked Better: The first 40 minutes
The first 40 minutes of the game were lackluster at best. The boys looked like they weren't going to play, and when they did it seemed they had trouble connecting. We were sitting by the bench, and it was hard not to notice Colley during the 2nd. When the coach can't even bear to watch the game, you know things aren't going well.

Who Made the Difference: Mike Morrison
Stopping 32 of 34, Morrison practically (and at times, literally) stood on his head for this win. He definitely kept the Grizzies in the game during the first 2 periods of play and helped them finish strong in the final frame. We already count Sixsmith as a given, Crowder as an up and coming, Matt Clarke as stellar with his +7, and wanted to give a shout out for Kilburg's game-tying goal; but we can't say enough about Morrison's performance here. And if anyone saw the crazy glove catch to end the 3rd period Grizzlies penalty - could there have been a more metaphoric or cinematic moment? Bravo.


Stars of the Game:

1. UTA - T. Crowder
2. UTA - J. Sixsmith
3. UTA - B. Kilburg


Additional Notes:

> James Sixsmith picked up another 3 assists in this game and Matt Clarke had 2 assists.
> Sixer now sits at 9 points (1g, 8a) in 4 playoff games. Holy $%^#!!
> Mike Morrison stopped 32 of 34 and stood on his head for the win.
> Tim Crowder's goal gives him 3 goals in 4 playoff games, Ryan Kinasewich has 4 points (3g, 1a) in 4 playoff games, and Matt Clarke comes in with 4 assists in 4.

Post Game: Grizzlies 5, Salmon Kings 2

With a solid 3rd period, the Grizzlies were able to wrap up their regular season with a win and a home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Utah picked up an early lead 0:24 seconds into the initial frame with a goal from Dylan Hunter. Victoria responded 5 minutes later with one of their own and the game remained tied during the 1st, 1-1. The Grizzlies grabbed the lead again in the 2nd, with another goal from their top line, but the Salmon Kings tied it up again and the teams headed into the final frame 2-2.

In the 3rd, the Grizzlies dominated the period to wrap the game up nicely. Starting with a Kinasewich goal, Utah picked up 3 goals in this period to end the game 5-2 in their favor.

From the official post game:

Utah captain Ryan Kinasewich started a third period three-goal in 4:17 barrage as he took a setup from Dylan Hunter 3:42 into the frame to give Utah a 3-2 lead on his league-leading 48th goal of the season. 18 seconds later, Tim Crowder knocked in his tenth goal of the year to make it 4-2 as Utah capped off their fastest back-to-back goals this year. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzles Complete Season With 5-2 Third Period Win In Victoria
gamesheet || Utah at Victoria - 4/3/10
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

UTA D. Hunter (18), 0:24 1st period (Kinasewich); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 0
VIC L. Morrison (4), 5:06 1st period (Southern, Walsky); Grizzlies 1, Salmon Kings 1
UTA A. Perry (30), 5:57 2nd period (Hunter, Kinasewich); Grizzlies 2, Salmon Kings 1
VIC O. Filion (12), 12:47 2nd period (Goldie); Grizzlies 2, Salmon Kings 2
UTA R. Kinasewich (48), 3:42 3rd period (Hunter, Clarke); Grizzlies 3, Salmon Kings 2
UTA T. Crowder (11), 4:00 3rd period (Sixsmith); Grizzlies 4, Salmon Kings 2
UTA S. McJannet (4), 7:59 3rd period (MacMillan, Galbraith); Grizzlies 5, Salmon Kings 2


What Worked Well: 3rd period
If the Grizzlies were looking to wrap the season up nice and tidy, they did with their domination of the 3rd period. 3 goals came in this final frame to give them the win, and the boys worked to keep the Salmon Kings from responding.

What Could Have Worked Better: Power Play
Going 0 for 4 on the power play, the boys had problems controlling the puck and allowed Victoria to tie things up with a short handed goal. Isn't Utah supposed to have the best power play in the league? Do it better.

Who Made the Difference: Mikko Koskinen
Utah would not have withstood the first 2 periods of this game without Mikko's help in the net. Not to mention his work stopping all 13 shots in the 3rd period of the game, which allowed Utah to grab the win.


Stars of the Game:

1. UTA - R. Kinasewich
2. VIC - E. Walsky
3. UTA - M. Koskinen

Additional Notes:

> Dylan Hunter extended his scoring streak to 13 games.
> Captain Ryan Kinasewich ends the regular season with 48 goals, 103 points, and 322 SOG.
> Utah gains home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs with the win.

Post Game: Grizzlies 7, Condors 4

Utah piled on 7 goals for their 2 points, but the Condors definitely kept things interesting for the Grizzlies during this match up.

Bakersfield struck first for the second night in a row 5:01 into the 1st. The Grizzlies responded on the power play to tie things before the end of the period, 1-1. At the top of the 2nd, Perry gave Utah their first lead of the night, but the Condors were quick to respond and tie it once again, 2-2. The Grizzlies regained their lead with a goal from Clarke, then another from Hunter to build their lead before the end of the middle frame, 4-2.

In the 3rd, Utah increased their lead to 3 with a goal from May. The Condors quickly followed up with two of their own, bringing the deficit to a single goal, 5-4. But the Grizzlies tacked on two more goals, one from Sixsmith and the final goal from Kinasewich, to expand on their lead and seal the deal, 7-4.

From the official post game:

The Utah Grizzlies (32-28-4-5) defeated the Bakersfield Condors 7-4 Saturday night at the E-Center before 7,772 fans. The win guarantees Utah a winning season and their fourth season of .500 or better in the last five years.

Utah scored two goals in a 15-second span in the final 1:05 to break a 5-4 score and make it 7-4. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Win Home Finale 7-4
highlights || Game Highlights 3/27/10 vs Bakersfield
gamesheet || Bakersfield at Utah - 3/27/10
photos || 3/27/10 - Utah Grizzlies vs Bakersfield Condors
interview || Kevin Colley 3/27/10 post game
interview || Tim Maxwell 3/27/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Photo of the Game:

2nd period - Marcus Carroll hustles for the puck after the faceoff.


Additional Photos: [Flickr]




Scoring Summary:

BAK A. Naglich (14), 5:01 1st period (Eichenlaub, Menei); Bakersfield 1, Grizzlies 0
UTA J. Sixsmith (23), 10:49 1st period (Maxwell, Hunter); Bakersfield 1, Grizzlies 1
UTA A. Perry (29), 2:31 2nd period (Vandermeer, Kinasewich); Bakersfield 1, Grizzlies 2
BAK D. Kissel (4), 3:13 2nd period (Ianiero, Goulet); Bakersfield 2, Grizzlies 2
UTA M. Clarke (4), 12:47 2nd period (Koskinen); Bakersfield 2, Grizzlies 3
UTA D. Hunter (16), 17:32 2nd period (Kinasewich, Vandermeer); Bakersfield 2, Grizzlies 4
UTA T. May (25), 2:56 3rd period (Sixsmith, Crowder); Bakersfield 2, Grizzlies 5
BAK A. Naglich (15), 4:22 3rd period (Kemp, Guyer); Bakersfield 3, Grizzlies 5
BAK M. Voakes (11), 17:40 3rd period (Kissel, Regan); Bakersfield 4, Grizzlies 5
UTA J. Sixsmith (24), 18:55 3rd period (Crowder); Bakersfield 4, Grizzlies 6
UTA R. Kinasewich (45), 19:10 3rd period; Bakersfield 4, Grizzlies 7


What Worked Well: Taking the puck to the net
Unfortunately, we don't have a replay of every goal, but a good handful of those goals came from taking the puck deep and right up to the net: Perry, May, Sixsmith - all had goals by swooping down right in front of the net. Nice work.

What Could Have Worked Better: Staying out of the box
The Grizzlies didn't allow Bakersfield as many chances as they did last night, but it's still something that could use a little improvement. There were also a couple of ill-timed penalties, including a shorthanded 5-on-3 situation that probably could have been avoided.

Who Made the Difference: James Sixsmith
While we saw a pretty sweet game from the Grizzlies, James Sixsmith definitely lead the pack tonight. With two goals and an assist on the gamewinner, Sixer was continually in the right place at the right time and propelling all the Grizzlies forward.


Stars of the Game:

1. UTA - J. Sixsmith
2. UTA - D. Hunter
3. UTA - P. Vandermeer


Additional Notes:

> Five Grizzlies had multiple point nights: James Sixsmith (2g, 1a), Dylan Hunter (1g 1a), Ryan Kinasewich (1g, 2a), Peter Vandermeer (2a), and Tim Crowder (2a).
> Mikko Koshkinen stopped 26 out of 30 shots and picked up an assist in the contest.
> Ryan Kinasewich picked up his 45th goal of the season and currently leads the league in goals.

Utah Grizzlies 3rd Jerseys Auction

After Friday night's game, the Grizzlies auctioned offed their 3rd jerseys to benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital. The Utah Grizzlies website reported that:

$13,300 was raised for the St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Foundation after the game as the Grizzlies auctioned off live their New York Islanders themed third-jerseys that they wore on Friday nights this season.

We typically do a breakdown of the jersey sales for the auction, but we had a few technical difficulties with our notes. Damn. If anyone did get what each jersey went for, feel free to email us or post it in the comments. We'd be happy to hear from you.

But, we did get some pictures from the auction for anyone that missed it.

Peter Vandermeer auctions off his jersey (child not included):


Ryan Kinasewich takes his turn:


The rest of the team waits for their spin on the auction block:


James Sixsmith looks pretty bad ass:


Matt Clarke is pensive:


Hugo Carpentier is amused that his name was mispronounced:


And Brett Parnham gives the bidders a smile:



We do have a few more photos that we may put up at our Flickr account later this week. Enjoy!

Post Game: Aces 5, Grizzlies 2

Utah started out strong, but a momentum change at the end of the 1st had the Grizzlies struggling to catch up with Alaska in the final 40 minutes.

The Grizzlies picked up the first 2 goals of the contest in the initial frame. Unfortunately, that would be the last time Utah lit the lamp. Alaska grabbed a goal with just over a minute left to play in the 1st, ending the period 2-1 in the Grizzlies favor. In the 2nd, the Aces tacked on 3 unanswered goals to grab the momentum and take the lead, 4-2. Mitch O'Keefe replaced Beau Erickson in net after Alaska's 4th goal and stopped all 20 shots he saw.

Utah battled back in the 3rd, but spent a good portion of the period in the penalty box and was unable to push themselves out of the 2 goal deficit. The Aces ended the night with an empty netter, 5-2.

From the official post game:

Utah led 11-3 on the shot board before Alaska scored their first goal of the night with 1:17 left in the first period and took the momentum from there, scoring four consecutive goals in a 15:31 span to take a 4-2 lead. Alaska added a late empty-netter with 1:13 left to go to finish the contest. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Early Lead Disappears in Alaska
highlights || Game Highlights 3/3/10 at Alaska
gamesheet || Utah at Alaska 3/3/10
interview || Peter Aston 3/3/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

UTA A. Perry (22), 1st period (Kinasewich, Sixsmith); Grizzlies 1, Aces 0
UTA T. Romano (9), 1st period (Clarke); Grizzlies 2, Aces 0
AK S. Burt (10), 18:43 1st period (May, Kotsopoulos); Grizzlies 2, Aces 1
AK D. May (1), 5:57 2nd period (Ryznar, Tuzzolino); Grizzlies 2, Aces 2
AK N. Mazzolini (20), 9:05 2nd period (Marsh, Blackwater); Grizzlies 2, Aces 3
AK E. Boguniecki (16), 14:14 2nd period (Mazzolini, Crum); Grizzlies 2, Aces 4
AK N. Mazzolini (21), EN 18:47 3rd period (Boguniecki, Blackwater); Grizzlies 2, Aces 5


What Worked Well: Going to the net
Both Utah goals came from pushing the puck right up to the net, and it seemed like the whole team was on the same page with this tactic. We saw a lot of defense-led rushes, and nobody was afraid to zip right up to the crease. We like that.

What Could Have Been Better: Staying out of the box
4 of Utah's 5 shorthanded situations were in the 3rd period. And while we didn't feel like the game was called very consistantly (seems everyone got away with a lot more in the first 2 periods of play - at least, it did to us), the back to back penatlies in the final frame really hurt the Grizzlies in their effort to make a comeback.

Who Made the Difference: Matt Clarke
While we can't underestimate the presence of Sixsmith on the ice, Matt Clarke continually pushed the puck toward the net, led several rushes, and worked well both offensively and defensively. Simply put, Clarke was on top of his game tonight and aided the team on the offense, which was needed, as well as kept up his end on defense. He also picked up an assist (or two) and the third star honor. A great game for Clarke.


Stars of the Game:

1. AK - D. May
2. AK - N. Mazzolini
3. UTA - M. Clarke


Additional Notes:

> James Sixsmith tallied an assist in the contest to drive his winning streak into the double digits - 10 games.
> Mitch O'Keefe stopped all 20 shots he saw in the losing effort.

Post Game: Grizzlies 3, Wranglers 1

If Friday's game centered around offense, Saturday's game was all about defense. And if you missed both of these games this weekend, well . . . shame, shame shame on you. What a great way to celebrate Hockey Weekend Across America.

Both teams were held off of the scoreboard during the 1st period. Despite having 3 power plays, Utah was unable to control the puck in the offensive zone and capitalize on the advantage. At the top of the 2nd, Clarke found the back of the net for the first goal of the game. Vegas responded 2 minutes later with a goal of their own to tie things back up.

The score remained tied throughout the 3rd period. With 2 minutes left in the game, Galbraith put it in the net to regain the lead, 2-1. Hunter tacked on an empty netter with the help of Perry and Kinasewich to wrap up the game, 3-1.

From the official post game:

Lance Galbraith knocked in a rebound with 2:01 left in regulation and Beau Erickson stopped 31 of 32 shots to give the Utah Grizzlies a 3-1 win over Las Vegas Saturday night at the E-Center before 7,043 fans. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Beat Vegas 3-1
highlights || Game Highlights 1/30/10 vs Las Vegas (audio)
gamesheet || Las Vegas at Utah 1/30/10
interview || Pat Curcio post game 1/30/10 (audio)
interview || Peter Aston intermission 1/30/10 (audio)
photos || 1/30/10 - Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog

Photo of the Game:

Additional Game Photos: [Flickr]

Scoring Summary:

UTA M. Clarke (2), 5:58 2nd period; Grizzlies 1, Wrangers 0
LV J. Schwartz (1), 7:07 2nd period (Lawrence, Prudden); Grizzlies 1, Wranglers 1
UTA L. Galbraith (4), 17:59 3rd period (Romano, Sorteberg); Grizzlies 2, Wranglers 1
UTA D. Hunter (11), EN 3rd period (Kinasewich, Perry); Grizzlies 3, Wranglers 1


What We Think Worked Well: Defense
This was an excellent defensive game for both teams. The Grizzlies have had some struggles with their defense lately, particularly in terms of holding a lead, so it was nice to see them settle down and play this type of game. We saw a lot more pressure put on the opposing team when they had the puck in their own zone, rather than waiting for the puck to get to neutral ice and beyond and some beautiful goaltending. A good job by all.

What Could Have Worked Better: Power Play
We've said this already, they know it needs work, and we don't want to be this guy:

Who Made the Difference: Beau Erickson
Everyone agrees on this; Beau was past amazing. Saving all but one of the 32 shots that came near him, Beau turned cartwheels (sometimes literally) to keep Utah in this game and claim his first win in a Grizzlies jersey. The Grizzlies definitey couldn't have done this without his star of the game performance.


Stars of the Game:

1. UTA - Lance Galbraith
2. UTA - Beau Erickson
3. UTA - Matt Clarke


Additional Notes:

> Happy Birthday, Brett Parnham! Glad the guys could knock out a win for Parnham's birthday.

Utah Grizzlies vs Victoria Salmon Kings Post Game 12/31/09

Well, Crappy New Year.

At least the Grizzlies got a consolation point from this game. This was a hard loss. And while it was fun to see a shoot out for the first time this season, the boys should have won this in regulation. Meh. We actually don't want to talk about it, so we're just going to post some pictures from the game instead.

If you want more details, go read the official post game at the Utah Grizzlies site and the gamesheet at ECHL.com.

Enjoy!

FIRST PERIOD

Kinasewich takes the shot.

Pavli against the boards.


Utah plays some defense.

Snatch with the puck.

"When they boo, it really hurts my feelings." (Anyone else remember that commercial?)

Maxwell waits for the puck.


Perry takes the faceoff.



SECOND PERIOD

Galbraith has some words for Victoria, Colley has some words for the ref.


Tom May.

Romano in the neutral zone.


Perry with the puck.

Kinasewich denied.

Pavli in front of the net.


Goal celebration! Love Maxwell's face in this one.


THIRD PERIOD

The boys take the ice.

Roughing in front of Victoria's net.

Puck in front of the net.

May takes it to the net.

Hughes and a Salmon King.

Romano lights the lamp.

Parnham with the puck.

OVERTIME

Colley outlines the plan.

Kinaswich and Maxwell wait for the overtime faceoff.


Victoria with a puck.



Gannon looks confused.

The boys kill a penalty, 4-on-3.


SHOOT OUT

Grizzbee on the zamboni.
Erickson gets ready for the shoot out.

Parnham's shoots and scores.

Erickson makes the save.

Hugo shoots and is denied.




Game.
3-2, Salmon Kings.



Stars of the Game
2. AJ Perry
3. Tony Romano


To better luck in 2010 . . .

Go Grizzlies!