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

News: Sloooooow Day

In other news, wait there is no other news. Aside from getting a new player, covered yesterday, there really isn't much to talk about. The Grizz will be starting their holiday season public campaign, for lack of a better term. Tonight Brian Kilburg, Matt Sorteberg, Kevin Deeth and Tyler Ruegsegger will be attending a public skate at the South Davis Recreation Center in Bountiful from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Stolen straight from the Grizzlies website, that was! Tomorrow they will visit Primary Children's Medical Center. Hopefully they'll post some fun pictures from that, since I'm guess it's not really a public event. Hospitals usually frown on a lot of strangers looking in on patients.

Here's a question I thought up, due to the recent loss of Jackman to a league in Europe: How does the family of a hockey player feel to pack up and move to a different country for a job? It seems like the league has a lot of potential for player trades or moves to different leagues. Or does the player leave the family "at home" and travel to visit when he can? Just a thought.

Weekend Preview - Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers and Ontario Reign

No, they're not playing both teams at the same time, although we'd totally be up for 3-way hockey. Don't know where they'd put the extra net though...

The Grizzlies play Las Vegas on Thursday night, and then go two games with Ontario Friday and Saturday. And believe it or not, they're playing in the Maverik Center. Yes, we do actually have a team IN Salt Lake City, not just FROM Salt Lake City.

Unfortunately, the Grizzlies haven't had the best record on home ice so far this season. The good news there is that they haven't played many home games yet - in fact, only four - so they still have a lot of time to improve that record.

We can't complain about their record on the road so far. Much has been made about the recent road trip in which the Grizzlies went 4-0, playing those 4 games in 5 nights. Utah has won 6 of its last 10 games, and 7 of its last 10 road games. That top spot in the Western Conference is giving them a good view of their two weekend challengers - Las Vegas and Ontario - which may give them a little boost going into these next three games. We don't want them getting overconfident though. We mentioned before that we liked what Coach Mendelson during Grizzlies Live on Tuesday night: "By yourself you can look at the standings and smile, but as a team you need ot keep a clear mindset each night." In other words, just because they're on top right now doesn't mean they don't have to work hard every shift. Like Brian Burke says, "The minute you think you know all the answers you start falling behind." And since we're quoting people, "Keep the lead on the gas, Grizzlies!" (Okay, so we said that ourselves. It's still a quote.)

As fans, we're just focusing on enjoying this great run. We get to see our team in action live for the next three days, and we're really hoping the streak continues. We won't be seeing Ric Jackman, as he's off to Europe, but we'll get to see the debut of the 'Burgs - Matt Sorteberg and Brian Kilburg will be in the line up for the first time this season on Thursday. Looking forward to seeing those two back in action. Oh, and best of luck to Jackman in Europe!

The Wranglers have had some good winning streaks going recently, including a 4 game winning stretch in November that was only broken by a 7-1 schooling at the hands of Bakersfield. They learned something in that school because they then won three of their next four, the last game being a shootout loss to Ontario. (Did we mention the Grizzlies have won FOUR of their last four? Just checking.) Vegas will be a tough team for the Grizz to take on starting their weekend.

Ontario, on the other hand, has lost 6 of their last 10, including the game against Utah last Sunday. They're currently at the bottom of the Conference, which is all the more motivation for them to beat the team at the top. Hockey is a funny thing - just when you might think you've got an easy win coming your way, the hockey gods eat your lunch right in front of you. We'd rather not say anything that might get our lunch stolen. We kind of like eating.

Speaking of eating, if you haven't heard already, the Grizzlies are offering all kinds of ridiculous deals on concessions this weekend. You can probably double the amount of food you ate over Thanksgiving for a fourth of the price. And if you're feeling a little paunchy by Saturday, stop in to the team store and pick up a Grizzlies jersey to go with your fat pants. It's remarkable what those things can hide.

Three games, three nights, two opponents, and one spot at the top of the Western Conference. It all starts tonight at 7:05 pm.

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 3: Steelheads 6, Grizzlies 1

So after moping around in our bathrobes after Tuesday's debacle, we opted not to do a regular post game writeup.

If you missed it, the game went something like this: Idaho scored a lot of goals, while the Grizzlies sat around discussing their summer plans. Tom May showed up to play but when he figured out he was in it mainly by himself, he picked a fight with the Steelheads in a bout of utter frustration; we consider this to be the highlight of the game. Oh, and Sorteberg scored a goal for Utah somewhere in there, so at least Utah didn't get shut out.

However, we know what you really want to see are our pictures, so without further ado . . .


Photo of the Game:


2nd period - Because this is what WE were thinking . . .

Additional Photos: [Flickr]




Come on, boys - we know you can do this. Just one more, just for us.

Go Grizzlies!

Game 3: Wranglers 6, Grizzlies 3

The only reason the Grizzlies stayed in this game is because James Sixsmith makes things happen. The boys need to pick it up if they want to stay in the playoffs past Sunday.

Las Vegas took over the 1st period of play, scoring 3 goals this round to end the period 3-0 in their favor. The Grizzlies exchanged goalies at the end of the period with Morrison taking over for Koskinen in net. The Wranglers increased their lead to 4-0 at the beginning of the 2nd period, but Utah responded with a gorgeous goal from Matt Sorteberg to get the Grizzlies on the scoreboard for the first time in the game. The Grizzlies picked up another goal with a shorthanded effort from Sixsmith and Kinasewich to decrease the deficit, 4-2. About a minute after Vegas decided to maul Sixsmith after the whistle (we missed why), and the boys dove in for a seriously awesome line brawl. However, Las Vegas responded before the end of the period on the power play to regain a 3 goal lead.

Utah struck 0:34 into the 3rd with another Kinasewich goal, but the Wranglers responded with one of their own to end the game 6-3 in their favor.

From the official post game:

The Las Vegas Wranglers defeated the Utah Grizzlies 6-3 Saturday night at the E-Center to take a two games to one lead in this best-of-five first round playoff series. Game four of the series is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Sunday at the E-Center. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Fall 6-3; Wranglers Take Two-One Series Lead
highlights || Game Highlights 4/10/10 vs Las Vegas
gamesheet || Las Vegas at Utah - 4/10/10
photos || 4/10/10 - Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers
interview || Peter Vandermeer 4/10/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Photo of the Game:

1st period - James Sixsmith puts on the brakes to follow the puck.
Additional Photos: [Flickr]




Scoring Summary:

LV A. Miller (1), 11:24 1st period (Lukacevic, Goers); Wranglers 1, Grizzlies 0
LV J. Prudden (2), 15:42 1st period (Lukacevic, Krischuk); Wranglers 2, Grizzlies 0
LV C. Neiszner (2), 19:16 1st period (Bourret, Lawrence); Wranglers 3, Grizzlies 0
LV N. Lukacevic (1), 4:47 2nd period; Wranglers 4, Grizzlies 0
UTA M. Sorteberg (1), 8:15 2nd period (MacMillan, Perry); Wranglers 4, Grizzlies 1
UTA R. Kinasewich (1), 10:27 2nd period (Sixsmith, Kilburg); Wranglers 4, Grizzlies 2
LV N. Lukacevic (2), 19:48 2nd period (Miller, Switzer); Wranglers 5, Grizzlies 2
UTA R. Kinasewich (2), 0:34 3rd period (Sixsmith, Galbraith); Wranglers 5, Grizzlies 3
LV A. Bourret (2), 5:15 3rd period (Madill, Lawrence); Wranglers 6, Grizzlies 3


What Worked Well: Sixsmith to Kinasewich
We've said before that Sixsmith can make just about any line work, but the two goals tonight were set up beautifully by James Sixsmith and executed perfectly by Captain Kinasewich. Vegas didn't even see it coming. We expect to see these two on the same line tomorrow as well.

What Could Have Worked Better: Goaltending
Not the greatest game for goaltending. While things were cleaned up a bit in the 3rd, Koskinen allowed 3 out of 8 before getting pulled and Morrison did slightly better, allowing 3 out of 18. The boys definitely could have used a stronger defense, but neither netminder seemed on top of their game tonight.

Who Made the Difference: Ryan Kinasewich
We figured by now that James Sixsmith is just a given factor in the Grizzlies' success each night. However, we'd been waiting to see a game from Kinasewich. Tonight was the night. Picking up two Sixsmith assisted goals, a team leading 6 SOG, and the 3rd star of the game, Ryan boosted his playoff stats to 3 points in 3 games.


Stars of the Game:

1. LV - N. Lukacevic
2. LV - A. Bourret
3. UTA - R. Kinasewich


Additional Notes:

> Ryan Kinasewich (2g) and James Sixsmith (2a) were the only Grizzlies to have multiple point games tonight.
> Something we noticed: Kinasewich had two Wranglers on him the entire game, particularly on the power play. This means we're going to need to see something from the other lines pronto.
> We have several clips of the 2nd period line brawl, but we need to edit it together before we post it.
> Also: Thank You, Matt Sorteberg.

Post Game: Grizzlies 2, Salmon Kings 1

Woo for making the playoffs! The Grizzlies clinched a playoff spot with their regulation win over Victoria. And no, it's not an April Fool's joke.

The Salmon Kings opened up the scoring just over a minute into the 1st period on the power play. Utah was held scoreless during the initial frame, but Captain Kinasewich tied things up with a power play goal of his own early in the 2nd, 1-1.

The defensive battle continued into the 3rd until the Grizzlies, via Matt Sorteberg, knocked one in to take the lead at 8:40 of the period, 2-1. Though Victoria battled back, Utah's defensive play kept them at bay until time expired.

From the official post game:

The Utah Grizzlies (33-28-4-5) defeated the Victoria Salmon Kings 2-1 in regulation Wednesday night in Victoria. The win officially clinches a Utah playoff berth for the fourth time in five years.

Utah took a 2-1 lead as Ryan Kinasewich eluded four Victoria defenders against the wall and fed Matt Sorteberg who walked into the right-wing circle and buried his second goal of the year 8:40 into the third period. [utahgrizzlies.com]

post game || Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth With 2-1 Win In Victoria
highlights || Game Highlights 3/31/10 at Victoria
gamesheet || Utah at Victoria - 3/31/10
interview || Lance Galbraith 3/31/10 intermission
blog || Adrian Denny's game day blog


Scoring Summary:

VIC M. Siddall (19), 1:15 1st period (Roach, Southern); Salmon Kings 1, Grizzlies 0
UTA R. Kinasewich (46), 2:56 2nd period (Sixsmith, Hunter); Salmon Kings 1, Grizzlies 1
UTA M. Sorteberg (2), 8:40 3rd period (Kinasewich, Hunter); Salmon Kings 1 Grizzlies 2


What Worked Well: Defense
The only goal that the Grizzlies allowed during this game was when they were shorthanded. For 60 minutes, that means a lot of kick ass defense. Koshkinen, while on his game, only saw 24 shots during the contest which shows just how vital the defensive play was to this game. Nicely played, boys.

What Could Have Worked Better: Erm . . .
Well, we're sure there was something. But honestly we love watching these two teams battle it out, so we decided to sit back and enjoy rather than analyze. Anyone wants to pipe in on this, feel free to comment or email.

Who Made the Difference: Matt Sorteberg
We were debating between two defensemen for this: Tim Maxwell and Matt Sorteberg. While Maxwell was all over the defensive end, we decided on Sorteberg for both offensive and defensive contributions. Sorteberg picked up the game winner, played solid in the Grizzlies own end, added to the overall hustle and drive by Utah, and picked up the 3rd star of the game. Awesome.


Stars of the Game:

1. UTA - R. Kinasewich
2. VIC - M. Keetley
3. UTA - M. Sorteberg


Additional Notes:

> Both Ryan Kinasewich (1g, 1a) and Dylan Hunter (2a) had multiple point games.
> Captain Kinasewich tied the record for most goals in a season with his 46th.
> James Sixsmith reached a 9 game scoring streak. Dylan Hunter extended his scoring streak to 11 games.
> This win guarenteed Utah a spot in the playoffs. Isn't it great to see that little x?

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.

Grizzlies News and Transactions: Prokop, Friesen traded, Kinasewich named All-Stars Alternate

Defenseman Dustin Friesen was traded to Idaho earlier this week in exchange for defensemen Matt Sorteberg and Kyle Radke.

While none of the players dressed for the game on Wednesday, Sorteberg and Radke should be dressed for the game tonight against Stockton.

We're sad to see Friesen go. He was solid and could take a hit like nobody's business. Luck, Friesen!

Defensemen Patrick Prokop was traded to Cincinnati yesterday in exchange for future considerations. Utah picked up Prokop in a trade to Bakersfield for Evan Stoflet earlier this season.


Kinasewich All-Stars Alternate Captain

Ryan Kinasewich has been named as an Alternate Captain for the National Conference at the All-Stars game. Kinasewich, Perry, and Bartley were selected to represent the Grizzlies at the All-Stars game this year. The game will be played on January 20 and will be broadcast on the B2 and XM radio. The skills competition will be held January 19.


Utah Grizzlies to help with Haiti effort

Grizzbee, Bobby Hughes, and VP Jared Youngman appeared on the KUTV Haiti Relief fund telethon today. Half of the procedes from the games on January 22 and 23 will be donated to the Haiti relief fund.


Luck tonight, Grizzlies!