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!

Game Day in Alaska and other Grizzlies news

Game today: Alaska Aces.

Galbraith makes his first return to Aces ice tonight with the Grizzlies since the trade on December 27, and Evan Kotsopoulos plays his first game against Utah as an Ace. Both Utah and Alaska will receive some help tonight with players returning from the AHL. Dylan Hunter will meet the Grizzlies in Alaska, and the Aces should be expecting Mike Walsh from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins. Former Grizzlies forward Walsh was part of the recent trade with Alaska and was released from his PTO with Grand Rapids yesterday. We also heard a rumor that Bartley could make an appearance with the Grizzlies soon.

AJ Perry will stay in Utah due to illness and keep newly acquired left wing Patrick Asselin company, according to Yo's game day blog. And apparently, Tom May is the boy to watch for tonight as he scored 3 goals in 3 November games against Alaska.

On Monday, Alaska snapped Victoria's double digit winning streak in the last match of their 3 game series with the Salmon Kings. The Aces are looking for another win to build on as the Grizzlies try to stop their own recent losing streak.

While we're not looking for excuses - we definitely think the boys need to show up to play - we're wondering if the illness/flu that's been going around has affected performance at all.

Either way, it should be a good game to watch if Utah decides to play.

Don't forget to read Denny's official game day blog.


Utah Grizzlies visit St. George

The Grizzlies stopped by the grand opening of the new Dixie Igloo Ice Center in St. George on their way to Vegas last week. The new Dixie Igloo is the first ice rink to be built in St. George and was designed to meet NHL-rink regulations.

Arriving in the evening, the Grizzlies had a team skate with fans and signed autographs before continuing to Vegas.


Other News

USANA is now the Utah Grizzlies' official supplement provider. Not really interesting news, but news nonetheless. Maybe they can help with the illness going around . . .

We missed Grizzlies Live again this week. Fail.

Luck, Grizzlies!

Grizzlies trade Kotsopoulos for Aces' Galbraith

When we got the text from the Grizzlies on Sunday, we were afraid to look to see who we traded. We knew it had to be a veteran, but we didn't want to know which one it was.

Utah Grizzlies traded Evan Kotsopoulos to Alaska for Lance Galbraith on Sunday.


Yes, we're sad about this one because Kotsy was one of our favorites. We already saw him traded once last year; we weren't ready for it to happen again. Though we have to admit, we'd only seen the minimum from Kotsy so far this season. We were hoping to see him pick it up a bit after the holidays, but we guess we won't have the chance. Alaska also picked up the rights to Mike Walsh who currently plays in the AHL.

We'll see how Galbraith works with the team. He's got some pretty decent stats and has racked up some time with the Aces and Steelheads in previos seasons, so we can almost guarentee he's got some fight in him as well.




Luck, Kotsy!

Go Grizzlies!

Angel's Hands Foundation Jersey Auction

After the game last night, the boys auctioned off their jerseys for the Angel's Hands Foundation. The Utah Grizzlies website reported that:

$14,300 was raised for the Angel’s Hands Foundation in a post-game jersey auction of the Grizzlies game-worn specialty jerseys.

Not bad. Here's the breakdown of what each jersey went for.

• Grizzbee, MVB - $400
• Jake Gannon - $400
• Vic Bartley - $450
• Evan Kotsopoulos - $575
• Ryan Kinasewich - $700, re-sold for $600 ($1300 total)
• Bobby Hughes - $425
• Jason Dale - $400
• Shea Guthrie - $775, re-sold for $700 ($1475 total)
• Tom May - $600
• Matt Clarke - $325
• Dustin Friesen - $400
• Hugo Carpentier - $375
• Mark Pavli - $1300, re-sold for $1000 ($2300 total)
• Evan Stoflet - $450
• Jadran Beljo - $425
• Chris Brooks - $350
• Tim Maxwell - $475
• Brett Parnham - $450
• AJ Perry - $600
• Vlady Nikiforov - $500
• Dylan Hunter - $525
• Mitch O'Keefe - $725
• Parker Van Buskirk - $550

And of course we have pictures for anyone that missed it.

Kinasewich with the fan that won his jersey.

Pavli strikes a pose. Apparently, it worked. $2300 for Pavli's jersey.

May tries the Pavli pose . . . or mocks it. Whichever.
We were laughing, anyway. But so was May.

Beljo skates off to meet his buyer after he sold. But we really wish we could have gotten a picture of his reaction to the bidders saying he was hot.
We didn't know if he wasn't sure how to take the compliment or if he was worried about getting razzed later.

Dale helps auction off Hughes jersey. We're not sure where Hughes was, but nice job, Dale - way to hold a jersey, man!

At least the boys had a little fun with the auction after the OT loss. We actually love when they're having a good time. It makes for good candids.

Keep it up, boys.

For more information on the Angel's Hands Foundation, check out their website.

Go Grizzlies!

Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads Post Game 12/5/09

Such a hard loss.

The first overtime loss of the year.

But the boys played well, and from the post game interview, it sounds like Colley was happier with the way they played this weekend than the last. The Grizzlies made some amazing defensive plays as well as doing a terrific job on the offense. And we don't even know where to begin with O'Keefe's killer saves. The boys were on their game for a full 60 minutes against Idaho and got the regulation tie and point.

Hugo Carpentier made his debut tonight with the Grizzlies. Carpentier joined the boys from Abbotsford, the Grizzlies' Calgary AHL affliate. And already, he's picked up an assist in his first game with Utah. Not bad. This is a name we're not going to be able to pronounce for a while yet, so we'll probably just end up calling him Hugo.

After the game, there was a jersey auction to benefit the Angel's Hands Foundation, but we'll cover that in a separate post.

So, for the official post game summary, click here. For the ECHL gamesheet, go here. And our post game summary is below.

PreGame Introductions: Anthem picture.

Ceremonial Angel's Hands Foundation puck drop.

FIRST PERIOD

Some solid play this period.

Vlady, May, and Hugo at work.

Utah opened it up about halfway through the 1st with a power play goal.

Shea gives the Grizzlies the starting lead. 1-0.

Points to Hugo and Parnham on the assists.

Kotsy gets in a fight straight from the faceoff at center ice.

Our initial reaction is to cheer, so sometimes our reflexes with the vids and pics are a bit slow.

However, it was a pretty short fight.

But we'll post what we got of it.

We'll keep checking to see if Idaho posts the full fight on their site.

Later, Gannon gets a penalty for holding.

Faceoff in the Grizzlies' end.

Penalty killed.

Kotsy gets tossed out of the faceoff.

End of first. 1-0, Grizzlies.

First Intermission: Kids play hockey. Adorable.

SECOND PERIOD

We've noticed that the Grizzlies seem to have a bit of a lag at the start of their 2nd periods.

However, they generally pick it up about halfway through.

Utah still dominated this period with SOG.

But the Steelheads were the ones getting the goals.

Grizzlies got the first power play opportunity of the second.

But they can't capitalize.

Idaho ties it. 1-1.

Then Utah gets another power play.

But May negates it with a penalty of his own.

He goes to the box for holding.

Kotsy got slammed in Idaho's zone by two different Steelheads.

Ouch. But no call on it.

Idaho makes the save.

With just over a minute left in the 2nd, Idaho scores.

Boo.

End of second. 2-1, Steelheads.

Second Intermission: There's something about an oversized check . . .

For more on the Angel's Hands Foundation, visit their website here.

THIRD PERIOD

O'Keefe gets warmed up.

Utah gets the first penalty of the 3rd.

Bench minor for Too Many Men, served by Beljo.

But Idaho negates their power play with a tripping penalty.

4-on-4.

Snatch ties it up shortly after the penalties with a sweet shot down the middle.

2-2.

Clark and Perry pick up the assists on that.

Hugo goes to the box for holding.

Killed.

Collision against the boards.

Some great plays by both teams during this period.

O'Keefe minds the net.

But regulation ends in a tie.

End of third. 2-2.

OVERTIME

This was the harshest.

Because the Grizzlies were on the PK.

And it was a beautiful PK.

Hats off to Perry, Maxwell, Gannon, Bartley, Snatch, and Friesen.

Because you all rocked the kasbah.

But 5 seconds after the Grizzlies are back at full strength, Idaho ends it with a quick goal.

Man . . .

Game.

3-2, Steelheads.

Stars of the Game:

2. Kinasewich

3. Guthrie

2 out of 3 is still pretty damn good.

NOTES

We don't know what happened over the last week, but Kinasewich was killer on the defense this weekend. Snatch battled for the puck every time he was on the ice, threw the checks, pressured Idaho incessently, and played awesome PK shifts. This makes us incredibly happy (and we're sure Colley was happy about it, too).

But wait, there's more! Snatch is back as the top scorer in the ECHL today with 33 points in 21 games. Nice. We really couldn't ask for more. You da man, Ryan!

There was an auction after the game to benefit the Angel's Hands Foundation. We'll put the pictures and whatnot up in a separate post.

Go Grizzlies!

Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wranglers Post Game 11/21/09

Another solid win for the Grizzlies.

Two goals for Vlady, multipoint nights again for Perry and Hunter, more amazing defense from our blueliners.

The Utah Grizzlies power play currently sits at the top of the league.

Almost another shutout, but Vegas got lucky.

We're a little slow with this one because we have so many pictures to choose from. But we did finally get this up for you. And we had some pretty decent seats (Thanks, Jen!), so we got some nice shots. And we didn't do anything during the intermissions, so we just left those out this time around.

The official Utah Grizzlies post game is up at their site, the gamesheet is at ECHL.com, and our postgame is below.

FIRST PERIOD

Grizzlies start the period a little shaky but quickly get past it.

We don't even know if Vegas had a chance.

O'Keefe with the save.

Utah picks up the first penalty.

Shea goes to the box for holding 3:39 in.

Killed.

Guthrie in the box.

Beljo takes a tour for tripping about 3 minutes later.

Killed.

Maxwell plays some defense.

Bartley with the puck behind the net.

Vegas gets a penalty.

Grizzlies can't capitalize.

35 seconds left in the 1st, Vlady's the first to draw blood. 1-0.

Points to Bartley and Beljo on the assists.

End of first. 1-0, Grizzlies.

SECOND PERIOD

Vegas picks up the first penalty of the 2nd for interference.

Grizzlies capitalize.

May knocks one in. 2-0.

Goal celebration.

Perry and Hunter pick up the assists.

The Grizzlies' power play rocks.

Kotsy and Schwarz go at it.

It was a short one, or we'd have video.

Dale in the corners.

Guthrie picks up the third goal of the night.

Points for blueliners Bartley and Maxwell.

Brooks goes to the box for hooking.

Killed.

Hunter takes the faceoff.

Hughes gets one in. 4-0.

Brooks and Bartley for the assists.

Vegas penalty.

Vlady puts another one away. 5-0.

Perry and Hunter get the points on this one.

Maxwell waits for the faceoff.

This period was all Utah.

Vegas didn't have a chance.

End of second. 5-0, Grizzlies.

THIRD PERIOD

Perry waits for the puck to drop.

Vegas starts the period with a penalty.

Grizzlies can't do anything with it.

Kotsy passes the puck.

We have no idea what's going on in this photo, but Bartley looks mortified. Beljo just looks bored.

Then by some stroke of strange luck, Vegas gets a goal. 5-1.

Then, they get another penalty.

Nothing.

And another penalty.

Nada.

Parnham takes the faceoff.

Grizzlies get a penalty.

Parnham takes a tour for slashing.

Killed dead.

O'Keefe and Friesen protect the net.

Vegas takes a penalty late in the 3rd.

Utah does nothing with it.

Whatevs.

Gannon and Van Buskirk watch from the bench.

Game.

5-1, Grizzlies.

Stars of the Game:

1. Vlady

2. Bartley

3. Perry

NOTES

Well, we think we are in for a tough game tomorrow. Vegas needs to pick up a win and they're going to come out with everything they've got.

But we think the Grizzlies can handle it.

Go Grizzlies!

Utah Grizzlies vs Las Vegas Wrangers Post Game 11/14/09

There was so much awesome in this game, we don't even know where to begin.

We could start with the utter domination of the Wranglers on the ice. Or with the multipoint nights for Hunter, Sixsmith, Bartley, and Perry. Or even with Caria's Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal-assist-fight).

But really, we have to start with Kinasewich, who stole the show again. A hat trick with 2 assists to make Snatch the all-time leading scorer in Grizzlies history. UtahGrizzlies.com called this a storybook evening, and we couldn't agree with them more.

The official postgame is at the Utah Grizzlies site, the gamesheet is up at ECHL.com, and our version is below.

PreGame Introductions: The boys did a tribute to the armed forces. Very nice stuff.

Anthem picture.

FIRST PERIOD

Perry gets the first goal of the night 1:07 into the 1st. 1-0.

Points to Maxwell on the assist.

5 minutes later, Snatch picks up his first of the night. 2-0.

Points to Sixsmith and Perry for the assists.

Kotsy-Pavli-Kinasewich on the face off.

Vegas gets a penalty.

Grizzlies can't capitalize.

Not to worry.

Caria gives the Grizzlies their third.

3-0.

Points for the assists to Bartley and Guthrie.

Not sure who that is, but this is cool.

Friesen, Caria, Shea, and Kotsy on the ice.

Vegas gets another penalty.

Grizzlies power play is shortened when Kinasewich gets called for hooking.

Then May joins him for delay of game.

4-on-3.

Then, 5-on-3.

Killed.

So far, the game has been all Grizzlies. We hope it keeps up.

End of first. 3-0, Grizzlies.

First Intermission: We debated about getting food but were too lazy to leave our seats.

We don't even have any pictures or witty comments.

Whatevs.

SECOND PERIOD

Face off.

Vegas gets the first penalty of the 2nd.

Grizzlies can't do anything with it.

Then they get the first goal of the 2nd. 3-1.

Vegas takes another penalty.

And the Grizzlies take advantage of it.

Snatch scores his second of the night. 4-1.

Points to Hunter and Sixsmith as well.

2 minutes later, Perry gets another one past Ouzas. 5-1.

Points to Kinasewich for the assist.

Both boys just picked up 3 point nights.

Snatch just tied for the all-time leading scorer in Grizzlies history.

Perfection.

Colley is pleased.

Then Bartley and some Vegas joke go at it.

We didn't get video, but we got a decent picture.

Later, Kotsy gets a little Penny Candy.

Both boys go to the box for roughing.

Then some Vegas joke tries to run down O'Keefe.

Because O'Keefe is awesome. Check him out.

Vegas for the penalty.

And Utah for the goal.

Sixsmith tips it in. 6-1.

Points to Snatch and Bartley on the assists.

Kinasewich is now the all-time leading scorer in Grizzlies history.

History, folks. You witnessed it.

End of second. 6-1, Grizzlies.

Second Intermission: There's more cool stuff for Armed Forces night. We have nothing to show for it.

THIRD PERIOD

The boys take the ice.

This is the period of awesome fights.

But first . . .

Vegas gets a penalty.

Then Meyers shortens it up with his tour for interference.

Killed.

The boys watch from the bench.

Kinasewich gets a hat trick. 7-1.

Nice!

Of course we have to stick this in here:

His 16th goal and 2nd hat trick of the season.

Points to Hunter and Caria on the assists.

Then May decides to shake things up.

He and some Vegas punk get some time for roughing.

Few seconds later, Caria drops the gloves to round out his Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

You might want to keep the sound down on this one.

There's a lot of screeching from us - embarrassing.

Jen did an awesome job in capturing this.

Then Pavli starts it and laughs all the way to the box.

Another great job from Jen on the vid.

And Pavli cackles in the box as well.

Pavli and Caria were vastly amused with their work.

As they should be. As were we.

Awesome.

Snatch discussing the calls. He looks annoyed.

The fighters in the box.

To add insult to injury, Sixsmith knocks another one in. 8-1.

Kotsy picks up a point on that as well.

Vlady-Sixsmith-May face off.

Shea gets a penalty.

Vegas finally gets a goal. 8-2.

They're not even celebrating anymore.

Those poor bastards.

Vegas is down on the ice.

The Grizzlies are moving so fast they're just blurs.

Somewhere in there, Maxwell gets a penalty.

Killed.

And Vegas gets another goal.

But we're too busy comparing Pavli's and Stephenson's hair.

This is one contest Vegas wins.

But is that really much of a bragging point?

Game.

8-3, Grizzlies.

Stars of the Game:

1. Kinasewich
2. Sixsmith
3. Perry

NOTES

Hmm, do we really need to say more?

We don't think so.

We think the boys said it all for us.

Go Grizzlies!

*We actually ended up with a ton of amazing pictures due to Jen's camera, so we'll probably get the extras up on Flikr (or some picture hosting service) sometime this week.