Transactions and other Utah Grizzlies news

There have been a few more changes to the Grizzlies' roster this week.


In:

• James Sixsmith rejoins the Grizzlies from his latest stint in the AHL. He played Monday night, but was not feeling well and did not travel with the team in Victoria.
• Steve McJannet was acquired from the Florida Everblades in exchange for future considerations. McJannet made himself at home with his first fight in a Utah jersey on Monday night.

Out:

• Chris Allen, who only played 3 games on Utah ice, has been traded to Bakersfield. He's the third defenseman this year to be traded to Bakersfield from Utah.
• Forward Ryan-James Hand has been placed on waivers. Looks like he was picked up yesterday by the Reading Royals.
• Patrick Asselin, who was picked up off waivers by Utah from Idaho, has been traded to Kalamazoo in exchange for future considerations.

Other Utah Grizzlies news

The Grizzlies made a visit to Shriners Hospital on January 27. Shriners Hospital was the chosen charity for the Guns & Hoses 2010 game which was played on January 30. The Grizzlies were scheduled to wear themed jerseys later that night and auction them for charity after the game, but the jerseys were delayed. The auction is scheduled to take place following the February 20 game.

A portion of ticket sales from Monday's game was donated to the Shoot for a Cure charity which promotes awareness about spinal injuries. We think this is pretty damn cool and wished we could have heard more about this than Gary Coleman dropping the puck

Former Utah Grizzlies goaltender Parker Van Buskirk has been loaned to the Hershey Bears of the AHL. He's been signed to a PTO and looks like he'll be playing backup.

The Grizzlies are in Victoria tonight. Puck drops at 8 pm.

Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads 1/13/10

We just want to say that Mitch O'Keefe is a rock star.

O'Keefe ended the night with 38 saves, and most of those were pretty damn incredible. Other highlights from the game included random goals by Kinasewich and Crowder (we'll take it), and a nice wrap around goal from May. Not to mention the luckiest 1st for the Grizzlies who spent the period playing defense, but still kept their lead intact.

The official post game is up at the Utah Grizzlies site, the gamesheet at ECHL.com and there are some highlights (and lowlights) at the Idaho Steelheads site. Our post game is below.


FIRST PERIOD

Utah goes on the power play a minute in; May comes from behind the net with a wrap around goal. Perry picks up the only assist. Then, the boys spend the rest of the 1st in their own end. Between penalty kills and a lackluster 5-on-5 performance, O'Keefe and company spend the rest of the period defending their one goal lead. 12 SOG for Idaho compared to Utah's 3. Utah gets a power play at the end of the period, but the aggressive work by Idaho on the penalty kill gives them no chances before time runs out.

End of first. 1-0, Grizzlies.

SECOND PERIOD

Grizzlies start the 2nd still on the power play. Randomly, Kinasewich scores from behind the blueline :26 in; the puck bounced off the goalie and went in, 2-0. Hand and Huxley drop the gloves and dance. Huxley got a few more punches in, but Hand gets the takedown. You can see the replay on the ISH site. Idaho scores off of their first shot this period. Pavli gets called for boarding, then Parnham joins him giving Idaho the shortest 5-on-3 ever. The Grizzlies kill the first penalty, but Idaho scores on the second to tie it up. By the end of the period, the Grizzlies looked like they could use the intermission to break up Idaho's momentum.

End of second. 2-2.

THIRD PERIOD

Idaho takes the lead a minute in. With no SOG for Utah 6:40 in, it doesn't seem like the boys showed up to play this period. Then, Crowder hacks it toward the net and ties it up. We didn't expect that; he looked like he was about to trip. The boys are re-energized and push it into OT. Some of the best play of the game came as a result of the Crowder goal. The Grizzlies pick up a point.

End of third. 3-3.

OVERTIME

Both teams are going all out for this one. Grizzlies get a penalty with 30 seconds left, and Idaho takes a time out before the 4-on-3. O'Keefe makes some awesome saves, and time runs out.

End of overtime. 3-3.

SHOOT OUT

Idaho gets two, Grizzlies get none.

Game.

4-3, Steelheads.

Utah Grizzlies vs Alaska Aces Post Game 1/8/10

Grizzlies lose.
Same score, different day.

Utah had a lot more fight this game than we've seen through this entire slump. Maybe the end is in sight? We went to Legends to watch the game this time, which we're recommending. If you've ever thought about joining them there, do it. It's a good sized room and everyone gets into the game, so you're not going to be the only psycho yelling at the TV.

This was a better loss to watch than the past few, to be honest. The Grizzlies fought for it in the 3rd, there was a bench brawl at the end of the 2nd, we saw two excellent Kinasewich goals, a May goal, and a stellar 1st period. N00b Asselin joined the team for this game due to the injuries from Wednesday and picked up an assist on the opening May goal.

Since we went to Legends to watch the game, we're going to be a little lax on the recap. We blame beer. For something more comprehensive, read the official post game and the gamesheet at the Utah Grizzlies site and ECHL.com, respectively.


FIRST PERIOD

The 1st period was all Utah. Tom May opened up the scoring 3:20 in. Parnham picks up a point on that and Asselin gets his first point in a Grizzlies jersey on the assist. Kinasewich scores the next two goals for the Grizzlies, his 23rd and 24th of the season. Vlady and Gannon get the assists for the first, and Hugo and Clarke pick them up for the second. Kotsy and some other Ace start it with Hugo. They all get penalties.

End of first. 3-0, Grizzlies.


SECOND PERIOD

Alaska scores two power play goals. Grizzlies are starting to look more and more shaky out there. Then at the end of the period Kotsy slashes goalie Erickson. Really, Kotsy? What would your mother say? BENCH BRAWL! We gotta say this was pretty awesome, especially watching it at Legends. Because everyone was yelling at the screen, not just us, and that made us feel right at home. After the dust (or should we say snow) cleared, 6 game misconducts were handed out: 3 Aces, and 3 Grizzlies, Galbraith, Hand, and Romano. We're not even going to touch the rest of the list of penalties. Just read the gamesheet.

End of second. 3-2, Grizzlies.


THIRD PERIOD

The dreaded final 20 minutes. If you're a Grizzlies fan, you've come to hate this final period. Tonight wasn't much different; the Aces' knew which buttons to push with that end of 2nd brawl. The boys came out with a lot more fight and puck control than they have in a long time, but it wasn't enough. Unfortunate. Aces complete their tally of 5 unanswered goals during this period.

Game.
5-3, Aces.


Ryan Kinasewich is 3rd star of the game.


One more chance to get it right (during this trip).

Go Grizzlies!

Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers Post Game 1/2/10

Utah didn't even bother to show up for this game.

We wanted to embed the circus music to our post, but we figured it would be a little too much . . .

Perry, Galbriath, and Kinasewich all ended the night with a -3. The only goal from the Grizzlies this game was from defenseman Brock Wilson in the 2nd period. Kinasewich picked up an assist on the goal and was able to extend his scoring streak to 8 games. Perry had two on ice collisions with his own teammates (or they with him - we couldn't tell), one of which led to the final Vegas goal. When you have two of your starting line colliding in the 1st period, that kind of sets the mood for the entire game. Just sayin'

The official post game is available at the Utah Grizzlies' site. The ECHL.com site has the gamesheet for review. Our post game is below.

FIRST PERIOD

Gannon picked up a penalty for hooking. Vegas capitalizes, scoring their first goal a minute into the power play. Five minutes later, Vegas scores again, 2-0. Hand starts a fight with the nearest Wrangler in an attempt to wake up Utah. It does nothing; the Grizzlies continue to play the period in their own end. Vegas scores again 16:53 into the 1st, 3-0.

Grizzlies were able to kill 2 of their 3 penalties this period, but were unable to keep control of the puck long enough to take advantage of Wranglers' penalties. Grizzlies were 0/3 on the power play during the 1st.

End of first. 3-0, Wranglers.

SECOND PERIOD

Second verse, same as the first. O'Keefe makes an appearance, replacing Erickson in goal. Galbraith picks up a minor :20 into the period for Elbowing, and Vegas goes on the power play. A minute in to the PK, Perry draws a holding penalty to make it 4-on-4. Then, Hugo draws another holding penalty on Vegas. Grizzlies have a 4-on-3 power play. They're able to capitalize just as Galbraith is released from the box. Kinasewich sends it to n00b Wilson for the goal, 3-1. However, there's no longevity to this glimmer of hope. The Grizzlies are unable to do anything with the other 3 power play chances they receive this period.

Other than the early Galbraith minor, Utah stayed out of the penalty box and kept Vegas at bay during the 2nd. Wilson's goal was a nice boost to the period, and the best Utah highlight of the game.

End of second. 3-1, Wranglers.

THIRD PERIOD

Utah was unable to recreate the early momentum of the 2nd period. Utah picked up 3 penalties this period, stunting their momentum in the process. Late in the 3rd, Perry and another Utah player (Galbraith again? - we're not sure) collided in their own end to create a 5-on-3 situation leading to the Wranglers' 4th and final goal of the night.

Game.

4-1, Wrangers.

No stars of the game from Utah.

Go Grizzlies!

Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads Post Game 12/26/09

Welcome to Christmas.

There has never been a more appropriate time to use that phrase. Kinasewich with his 20th goal of the season, Hughes with a goal, Romano with three assists, Clarke with 2 assists, and Hugo, Crowder, and May all tallying an assist and a goal. And a fight brought to you by RJ. Could there be a better Christmas present for Colley? We think not.

We don't have any pictures from this match because we forgot the SD card for our camera. Fail. And since we're behind, we've decided to not do a full postgame. So for a recap, the official post game is at the Utah Grizzlies' site. Also, you can find the gamesheet at ECHL.com.

Here's to getting caught up after the holidays.

Go Grizzlies!

Utah Grizzlies vs Bakersfield Condors Post Game 12/18/09

Fifth loss in a row.

This game was so bloated with penalties that neither side could gain momentum. That being said, both goals from Utah were power play goals by Perry which was a nice end to an 11 period drought where the Grizzlies couldn't capitialize on a power play chance.

And really, can enough be said for Parker Van Buskirk who kept the boys in this game? He had some magnificent saves, stopping 27 of 30, and deserved a bit more love from his teammates. Hopefully, the can show their appreciation over the holiday games.

Dale and Stoflet made their return to the E Center with the Condors tonight. Stoflet ended up with a +1 and 2 PIM. Dale was a healthy scratch.

Don't forget to read the official post game at the Utah Grizzlies site, the gamesheet at ECHL.com, and ours below.

FIRST PERIOD

RJ starts a fight early again.

We don't quite understand the strategy of a fight this early in the game.

But it doesn't matter because it happens anyway.

Both teams start it out with 5 for fighting.

In front of the Condors' net.

May gets one for hooking.

Bakersfield goes to the box, and the Grizzlies caplitalize.

Perry draws first blood with the power play goal. 1-0.

Snatch and Maxwell get the points for the assists.

There's a big shoving match in front of the net.

Carpentier gets roughing along with some Condor.

Another Condor gets called for hooking.

Grizzlies on the power play.

They can't do anything with it.

End of first. 1-0, Grizzlies.

SECOND PERIOD

11 penalties in the 2nd.

3 for Utah, 8 for Bakersfield.

Clarke got a penalty for kneeing.

He and a Condor also got fighting, so we guess it happened in the midst of it.

But Bakersfield ties it up during their power play. 1-1.

Parker is keeping the boys in this game.

They need to show him some love.

Utah regains their lead momentarily on another power play goal.

Stoflet goes to the box for the Condors.

And Perry gets his second of the night. 2-1.

Points to May and Kinasewich on the assists.

Then the Condors get another goal and tie it up.

Even strength goal. 2-2.

At least it wasn't a shorty . . .

Digging the puck out of the corners.

Parnham and some Bakersfield punk go at it at the end of the period.

Both get roughing.

End of second. 2-2.

THIRD PERIOD

Clarke gets a penalty for Holding the stick a minute into the period.

Killed.

Less penalties this period.

More for Utah: 5 compared to Bakersfield's two.

Maxwell goes after the puck.

Clark and some Condor mix it up and get penalties for roughing.

Vlady takes a tour for hooking.

Bakersfield gets a goal. 3-2.

Kotsy goes for high-sticking.

Perry joins him for interference.

5-on-3 killed.

Most of the 3rd is played in the Grizzlies' defensive zone.

Utah couldn't stop picking up penalties.

Game.
3-2, Condors.

Stars of the Game:

2. AJ Perry

3. Parker Van Buskirk

Go Grizzlies!

Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads Post Game 12/16/09

Sad game for Utah.

4th loss in a row.

Sure, the Grizzlies have been playing top ranked teams, but the effort over the last 3 games has not been there. The boys looked completely out of sync. We're surprised heads haven't rolled by now. The boys have given up short handed goals in the last two games and haven't scored a power play goal in the last 3 games. And penalties have been on the rise; Idaho had 9 power play chances last night compared to 2 for the Grizzlies.

Something to consider: since the tough loss to Idaho on December 5th, we've lost Bartley, Stoflet, Guthrie, Hunter, and Dale. We've picked up Romano, Prokop, and Hand. Carpentier's first game with the Grizzlies was December 5th. That's a lot of change.

The nice thing about having your own blog is that you don't have to write about anything you don't want to.

Like this game.

So we'll only be doing an abbreviated version.

However, you can find the official post game on the Utah Grizzlies site, the gamesheet at ECHL.com, and some video highlights (or lowlights, as the case may be) at the Idaho Steelheads site.

FIRST PERIOD

RJ starts a fight straight from the faceoff.

Idaho gets two power play goals.
Pavli cut off his hair?!

O'Keefe gets stuck in the net after Idaho and Kotsy run him over.

SECOND PERIOD

Hugo has an awesome chance, but it hits the crossbar.

Idaho gets a (almost power play) goal and a shorthanded goal.

Utah plays some of the 2nd outside of their own end.

THIRD PERIOD

Pavli throws some awesome checks.

Idaho gets another one: Lampl's first pro goal.

Holy $%@#! We scored? Perry, from Snatch and May.

Aaaaaaaand . . . .

Game.

5-1, Idaho.

eTA: Inspired by this (ugh) game, we created a little holiday-themed ditty for Idaho. They can consider last night's game a gift . . .

(to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas)
During the Grizzlies/Steelheads match-up, Utah gave to you:

Twelfth goal for Barlow,
Eleven Utah penalties,
+10 for the team,
Nine power plays,
Eight shots in the 3rd,
#7 with an assist,
Six men on the ice,
Five for fighting in the 1st,
4-on-5 goal,
Three stars of the game,
Two assists for Rome,
And a pro goal for Lampl!


But we still love you, Grizzlies. :)

Utah Grizzlies deal Shea Guthrie to Everblades, acquire Prokop from Bakersfield, sign Hand

Grizzlies traded Shea Guthrie to Florida Everblades today. Shea, who has 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) in 22 games with the Utah Grizzlies, was traded for the rights to Simon Ferguson. Sounds like Ferguson has spent all of his time with the Everblades in the AHL where he's played 13 games with Syracuse and tallied 3 assists.

While we were a little upset about Caria, this trade made us sad. Mainly because we were just starting to see some consistancy from Shea this month, and he has been one of our favorite n00bs to watch this year. But hockey is hockey is hockey, so we're trusting Colley on this again. Looks like Ferguson has been in the AHL over the past 3 years so we'll see how he works with our team.

To finish up the trade from Bakersfield, the Grizzlies picked up Patrik Prokop. Sounds like he had a decent junior career. So far this year he's played 7 games with the Condors and racked up 11 PIM.

And to finish up the changes, Utah picked up Ryan Hand as their new enforcer. We're interested to see how he affects the team, particularly against Idaho and Alaska. This boy tallies up the penatly minutes, which tells us he knows how to get the job done.

Luck to Shea in Florida!

Go Grizzlies!