Tag: Ryan Walters

Grizzlies vs Mariners: Finding Their Bearings

With Jake Marchment and Grayson Downing still out, the Grizzlies remained short-handed for game two against the Maine Mariners, while Joe Cannata once again got the start.

First Period

  • Couple of pretty good shifts to start us off tonight. Teigan  Zahn appears to be back on defense, and Will Smith has already had his first shift of the game after playing little/no time on Wednesday.
  • Zahn takes the first penalty of the game, but it’s killed off, and now we’re on the advantage. Unfortunately, Maine’s PK is looking as effective as the Grizzlies’.
  • Turner Ottenbreit and Taylor Richart (I think?) both just had amazing plays to keep the puck onside and in play.
  • Eric Freschi had absolutely NO space to make that play, and yet he still found a way to go backhand, forehand, clear. Nice.
  • Going pretty back and fort as the period progresses to the final five.
  • Now Josh Anderson is headed off to the box with 3:39 to go.
  • Zahn to the box for crosschecking with 28 seconds to go in Anderson’s penalty and 2:06 to go in the period.
  • Gage Ausmus with a great move to kill time carrying the puck up the ice, then racing back to get back and cut off a passing lane. It led to an Ottenbreit clear.
  • THAT’S THE CANNATA WE REMEMBER. The puck slips past Joe, but he leaps backwards and freezes it! There’s absolute chaos around the net now.
  • 0-0 after 20, shots 15-13 for Utah.

Second Period

  • The period begins with 1:02 of power play time.
  • Oh. Oh no. It almost seemed like Zahn was so worried about screening Cannata that he didn’t do anything on that one-on-one…
  • Well, Ully says trailing is dumb and scores on the very next shift!!
  • Fox is the beneficiary a heart-breaking deflection and it’s 2-1. Boo.
  • Walters goes FLYING into the offensive zone…and then flying into the goalie. You can imagine how well that went over. Which is to say badly.
  • Walters gets two and is pitched from the game. A HUGE penalty kill coming up here…
  • Josh Dickinson with a gorgeous takeaway, but his stick breaks on the shot.
  • Caleb Herbert and Michael McNicholas get matching slashing calls, so now we’re four-on-three for two minutes.
  • Well, they pretty much killed it off, but not all the way. 3-1 Maine.
  • Now Utah’s got a 49 second five-on-three.
  • Nolan De Jong rings iron as one of Maine’s players exits the box.
  • Richart with a couple of cannons, but De Jong’s remains the best look on the advantage.
  • Oh geez. Not Economos.
  • Soooo Zahn gets two at the buzzer.
  •  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Third Period

  • They’re playing better than last night, but this is starting to look awfully familiar…
  • Herbert and Ully go flying in shorthanded, but Herbert takes a penalty to get there.
  • POWER PLAY GOAL CALEB HERBERT. (Are you surprised that Ully got the assist?)
  • Oh geez. A one-on-none, that’s gonna end badly. WAIT IT DIDN’T!
  • Depending on whether or not you consider Herbert getting two penalties on the play going badly or not…
  • Dickinson beats out a puck into the offensive zone, and draws a penalty! The remainder of Herbert’s penalty is now a four-on-four situation.
  • Economos with a big shot at the end there.
  • Richart gets held up in the offensive zone with no call, and when he complains, he’s sent to the box.
  • OH SWEET REVENGE. Josh Dickinson with a flawless short-handed goal to tie it up.

  • Someone wearing four (Herbert? Economos? Ottenbereit?) had a crazy scoring chance that no one can believe didn’t go in.
  • So of course Anderson gets a penalty, and Richy blocks a shot that looks like it hurt.
  • He’s back to play on the power play though, so he’s at least mostly ok.
  • Dickinson scoring short-handed goals, blocking shots, and just generally doing it all.
  • Might just be my imagination, but it feels like Ausmus has played a lot more as the game has progressed.
  • TO OT WE GO.

OT

  • Good stick from Ottenbreit.
  • Another good stick from Ottenbreit.
  • Herbert and Ully have had a couple of glorious near misses.
  • Oh Josh. That hurts. Dickinson, that is, not Anderson. I realize I probably shouldn’t just say Josh and expect people to know which one I mean…
  • Big save from Cannata.

SO

  • Have I mentioned how much I hate shoot outs? (I mean, as skills competitions, they’re great. As the means to win a hockey game…)
  • Maine wins it with the only goal in the shoot out. Of course it was Fox.

Ully and Herbert earned first and second stars of the game with their goal and assist performances, and Dillan Fox, who scored two of Maine’s goals, plus the SO winner (and probably should have been named first star) was third. Ottenbreit, Ully, and Dickinson all had three shots. Joe Cannata saved 35/38, and despite being scored on (just once), was excellent in the shoot out.

“It’s huge.” Tim Branham said about having Ully and Herbert back together. “Those guys are world class players at this level, so as much as I can play them, I’m gonna play them. I think they’re doing a great job leading the way.”

Despite the loss, this was an encouraging game after the last couple. Yes they went down three goals in the second again, but this time they were able to battle back in spite of twelve penalties. And speaking of penalties, they went a perfect 12 for 12 on the penalty kill, killing off a seven minute penalty to Walters (and a five-on-three during that time when Zahn took a call), and of course, scoring short-handed on the penalty to Richart later in the game. All this, despite still being down the equivalent of two lines and the tenth skater of some of their best forwards. Even better than that, Ully and Herbert appear to be working their magic again, which could, if guys like Dickinson and Freschi play like they have been, be enough to tide the Grizzlies over until they get guys like Jake Marchment and Grayson Downing back in the lineup.

Summing up the game, Branham said, “Really proud of the boys’ effort, of battling back, a we had 12 penalty kills against, I’ve never seen that before in my life, what can you say. It is what it is. I thought we had a great job on the penalty kill, great job of fighting back, earning a point in the standings with an extremely short lineup once again, we’re just trying to tread water here until we get some guys back and really proud of the way we battled.”

It’s just a theory on my part, but I also think having Zahn back on defense full time helped stabilise the back end as well — or perhaps everyone just played harder and Zahn’s return to the blue line was coincidental to that. But either way, the defense had a better night than they did on Wednesday.

The final piece of good news is that despite the continued losses, Utah has two games in hand on Idaho, and one on Tulsa who are only three points and one point ahead in the standings respectively, while though Kansas City has two games in hand on the Grizzlies, they trail by nine points.

After losing in regulation and losing in the shoot out, the Grizzlies look to get back in the win column tonight against Maine with a little extra help from Captain America.

 

Goals

  • First: None
  • Second: Ully (Freschi, Herbert)
  • Third: Herbert (Ully, Freschi) (PP), Dickinson (SH)

UTA: 1/7 (36 PIM)
MNE: 0/12 (20 PIM)

Photo courtesy of Josh Pinnau.

 

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Utah Grizzlies @ Allen Americans: The Oscar for best goal goes to…

With Jake Marchment joining the ranks of the wounded (in all seriousness, you could create the majority of a really great forward core out of the injured forwards), the Grizzlies once again found themselves pretty short of forwards in general, and centermen in particular in the final game of the road trip. Joey Raats once again dressed as a forward, and was joined for parts of the later stages of the game by Teigan Zahn, while Joe Cannata got the start.

 

First Period

  • This has been a surprisingly uneventful first period.
  • YIIIIIKEEEEEES. That was so close to disaster.
  • That poke check was disgustingly good from C.J. Motte.
  • Josh Thrower and Michael Economos drop the gloves!!
  • Speaking of disgustingly good…that’s what that Allen goal was. Screened too.
  • ….Where was any of the defense…
  • Not gonna lie, but “allegedly onside” is one of my favorite phrases.
  • Boooooooo.
  • That was no fun. At least shots have evened up considerably.

Second Period

  • I would really, really just like to get through this game without losing anyone else to injury…
  • Well Mr. Smith, if you were waiting for the opportune moment to score your first pro goal, that was it. Beautiful pass from Turner Ottenbreit too.

  • Well, that was definitely the right idea.
  • Caleb Herbert and Josh Atkinson get matching minors for skulduggery.
  • OH MY HOCKEY GODS. SAVE THAT FOR THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK. The Oscar for best goal goes to Ryan Walters. What a move. Spin-o-rama to elude the defenseman fools Motte too, and it’s 3-2!!!!
  • MAXWELL DROPS THE GLOVES.
  • Zahn with a terrific chance on the doorstep, and then Herbert with a great shot.
  • Cannata answering the call on the other end too.
  • Please do not break Michael.
  • WALTERS IS ON FIRE.

Third Period

  • Shots are now 40-28 for the Grizzlies.
  • Please go play in the other end…
  • Thanks Joey.
  • Well. Everyone was pretty much where they should be, but Cannata was completely screened. Boo again.
  • Josh Dickinson is getting worked over with no calls.
  • Motte is pretty pissed at his own guy as Atkinson shoves Dickinson into Motte.
  • ….oh geez, not Turner…Please be ok….
  • How was that slash on Ottenbreit not called, and yet that one Ausmus is.
  • Well, there’s blood, so can’t really argue with that high-sticking call…
  • Oh thank goodness. Ottenbreit is, at the very least, ok to stay in this game. Hopefully he’s actually ok, and not just hockey ok…
  • Zahn is DEFINITELY playing forward.
  • HOWWWWWW DID MOTTE MAKE THAT SAVE??????????????
  • ECONOMOS TIES IT UP.
  • To OT we go. Which will be Herbert-less, as he gets pitched for unsportsmanlike conduct.

OT

  • Thank you Joe.
  • Dickinson probably should have drawn a penalty there.
  • Cannata is down (panic), and we’re off to the power play.
  • (Cannata appears to be alright, everyone can stop panicking. What do you mean I was the only one?)
  • At the end of OT, Emerson Clark got 20 minutes of penalties (slashing and fighting/continuing altercation) and Curt Gogol got ten for fighting/continuing altercation as well. So things got a bit heated there!

Shootout

Allen: Pochiro (goal)
Utah: Herbert (no goal)

Allen: Salituro (no goal)
Utah: Dickinson (goal)

Allen: Miller (goal)
Utah: Walters (no goal)

Allen wins 5-4 in the shoot out, shots 55-41 for Utah.

Walters’ two goals and ten (yes you read that right, ten) shots earned him third star of the game, while Cannata saved 37/41. Ottenbreit had yet another great game, picking up two assists, as did De Jong. As noted at the time, Will Smith got his first pro goal, and Economos was one assist away from a Gordie Howe hat trick.

Goals

  • First Period: None
  • Second Period: Smith (Ottenbreit), Walters (Raats, Ottenbreit), Walters (Herbert, De Jong) (PP)
  • Third Period: Economos (De Jong)

Utah: 1/3 (28 minutes)
Allen: 0/3 (60 minutes)

 

 

Photo courtesy of Action Sports Photography and staff.

 

 

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Utah Grizzlies vs Kansas City: The Moose is Loose

With Caleb Herbert, Tim McGauley, Travis Barron, Julien Nantel, and Kevin Davis all up in the AHL, and J.T. Henke, Nolan De Jong, Cole Ully, Jack Walker, Austin Carroll and R.T. Rice all out with various injuries, Will Smith and Joseph Mizzi made their Grizzlies debuts, Joey Raats dressed as a forward, and Josh Anderson also returned to the lineup from Colorado. Joe Cannata got the start against Cliff Watson, C.J. Eick, and the Kansas City Mavericks.

First Period

  • That was a ROUGH first shift.
  • Neither team is looking particularly crisp at the moment.
  • What a sprawling poke-check from Cannata to negate any chance on the one-on-none.
  • Mike Economos gets leveled, and Turner Ottenbreit drops the gloves with Neal Goff as a result! Both get five, Goff gets the extra two for the initial interference call.
  • Half-way through the first, shots are still 4-3 for KC. Neither team has recorded n official shot in quite a while.
  • Birthday boy Taylor Richart playing soccer with the puck to some effect over there!
  • One thing the Grizzlies are doing quite well is make it difficult for KC to make passes/shots, whether it’s through tying up sticks or getting in shot lanes.
  • Cannata seems to be seeing the puck really well.
  • Oooh, new guy Mizzi with a really nice move, followed by a nicer shot! Unfortunately, Mason McDonald flashes the leather.
  • Teigan Zahn with a gorgeous defensive move there.
  • That’s the second good chance that Mizzi’s been a part of.
  • Taylor Richart doing Taylor Richart things. (Aka, blocking all of the shots.)
  • Suddenly, shots are 10-5 for Utah!
  • Kansas City is gonna score on this power play with two seconds left.
  • Kansas City scores on the power play with four seconds left. I HATE being right.
  • I honestly thought Cannata had that one.
  • Utah trails 1-0 after 20, despite out-shooting KC 10-6

Second Period

  • That’s the second penalty Economos has drawn against Goff!
  • I know it’s really bad form to yell for someone to shoot, but several of you should have shot that puck…
  • Mizzi continues to impress through the second period.
  • Utah is getting a lot more chances as the period approaches the half-way point.
  • Turner Ottenbreit slides the puck past McDonald! Josh Dickinson gets the assist, and just like that, we’re all tied up!
  • The period is already half gone, and the Grizzlies have only allowed one shot!
  • Economos with the WHEELS???? Seriously. He’s gotten so speedy lately.
  • Taylor My-middle-name-is-blocked-shot Richart.
  • Ah. That’s not ideal. 2-1 for KC on their third shot of the period…
  • Sometime or other, Grayson Downing is gonna score. He’s just too good not to.
  • Why is it ALWAYS Richy? And on his birthday too. That’s just rude.
  • Snipe and celly! I SAID it was only a matter of time!!!! Downing ties it up, Richart and Dickinson with the assists!

 

 

 

  • Well. The shot situation is great, the goal situation is great, two goals on eleven shots is not great.

Third Period

  • Playing on the other end of the ice would be really great right about now.
  • On the other hand, KC’s wired a couple of shots on Cannata, and he’s been rock solid this period.
  • Great shift from the Grizzlies there. Economos almost had one from the doorstep.
  • As the game has progressed, both teams have definitely settled down and cleaned up the passing issues from earlier.
  • Ottenbreit has looked quite good this game, even without his goal.
  • Cannata with a good save.
  • KC up 3-2. Sorry Joe. I jinxed you.
  • WALLY ON THE POWER PLAY. TIE GAME.
  • …HOW did Dickinson settle that puck down and not lose possession?
  • Downing with a beautiful move to elude a defender and get a shot off. Unfortunately, McDonald is a pretty good goalie.
  • That Cannata save could prove to be very, very important with three minutes left in this tie game…
  • 1:22 to go…
  • Another big Cannata save with 55 seconds to go…
  • Oh boy, Utah did not miss taking the game in the last twenty seconds by much there.
  • Welp. One point down. Let’s get that second one.

OT

  • With the second point on the line, Cannata is making some very important saves.
  • OT power play, thanks to Cliff Watson!
  • Richart with a HUGE shot that looks like it might have stung Marchment.
  • Oh Josh nearly had one.
  • THE MOOSE. IS. LOOSE.
  • Kansas City is NOT pleased.
  • (I can’t believe that counted, but I sure as H-e-double-hockey-sticks don’t mind being on this side of a call like that for a change!)
  • GRIZZLIES WIN 4-3 IN OT. 

 

 

Ausmus’ OT game winner earned him first star of the night, while Dickinson’s two assist night was good for second star, and Downing’s goal, assist, and seven shots saw him take third star honors. In the end, Cannata saved 22/25 for his 14th win of the year. Turner Ottenbreit also had a very strong game, as did Mizzi, who together with Walters and Dickinson, had five shots in his debut. Walters now has seven goals in his last six games and, with all the call-ups and injuries, is once again the Grizzlies’ leading scorer.

One of the most impressive things about the Grizzlies in this stretch that started at the end of January is the consistency with which they’ve managed to keep the wins and goals coming, despite the injuries, call-ups, and new players they’ve had to bring in.

“It feels good coming to the rink for practice, game days, there’s just a good mood in there, and everyone feels good.” Ausmus said about what’s been allowing the Grizzlies to be so consistent, despite the constant turnover of personnel. “Obviously you’re gonna play better hockey when you have that mindset and it’s fun to come to the rink. That’s the biggest part about this group is that we all have a good time, we all get along, and we have fun when we come to the rink.”

Downing’s thoughts on the subject were very similar to Ausmus’. “We definitely are short-handed” he said, “But the guys who are playing are doing a good job. Doesn’t matter who’s in or who’s out, I think everyone has to fill a role, and tonight we kind of showed that. A lot of adversity coming through in overtime, I think Moosie’s goal was huge, don’t really know what happened in front of the net there, but a goal’s a goal and like I said, winning is fun.”

Downing himself is one of the new additions in the merry-go-round that has been the Grizzlies roster, but he’s by no means the newest. Mizzi and Smith both played in their first games with the team, and Tim Branham was pleased with their outing.

“We had seven forwards all week at practice, so it’s not like you can get a whole lot accomplished in practice, you’re just trying to keep your wind up and stay confident.” Branham said. “Mizzi is a young kid who was recommended by his agent, Pat Curcio, he’s a 20-year-old kid playing tier two junior hockey, this is a big jump for him. He had five shots through the second period, could have had three goals. Really good job by him. Smitty, he came from Adirondack, started in the SPHL, played in the Quebec Major Junior League, another young kid, but he’s got experience in this league. I thought he did a really good job tonight.”

Overall, Branham was pleased with how the team came together.

“I thought that was a really good game by the team, a complete team effort. We’re playing pretty short-handed. Good help getting Cannata down, that’s for sure, and Anderson, but at the end of the day, no matter who’s in our lineup, we pull through and find a way to have success. I thought that third period they kind of took it to us, but other than that, the majority of the game, I think we did pretty good. Hopefully we can clean up a few things for tomorrow, and find another two points.”

He reserved his greatest praise for Downing, however, and deservedly so.

“He’s been tremendous. Definitely one of the smartest players I’ve ever coached. He’s got all the tools, that’s for sure, and it was only a matter of time before those flood gates opened. He’s been doing a lot, he’s been creating a lot, playing a lot of hockey. He’s never played with three lines before in his life, since like…mites. College hockey you have four lines, in the American League you have four lines, so this is a lot of hockey for him, and I think he’s adjusting really well — which he should, he’s a top notch player — and we’re definitely lucky to have him.”

“I think [Dickinson] made a great play on the boards and kinda found me.” Downing said of his goal. “It’s one of those things this year that I haven’t been shooting enough, so I kinda decided just to close my eyes and put it on net. Luckily it was a pretty good shot, and it’s always nice getting that first one out of the way. I felt like they all could have went in tonight. I think their goalie played well. Any time you can win, it’s huge, and it’s more fun. We’ve got a great group of guys since I’ve been down here, I don’t know what’s in the water, but winning is a lot of fun, so it’s nice to be in that atmosphere.”

Utah looks to keep the wins coming as they continue to host Kansas City tonight (Saturday) and Monday, especially since there’s bound to be a great crowd for Grizzlies Fight Cancer night.

 

 

Goals

  • First Period: None
  • Second Period: Ottenbreit (Dickinson), Downing (Richart, Dickinson)
  • Third Period: Walters (Marchment, Downing) PP
  • OT: Ausmus (Economos, Zahn)

 

Photo courtesy of Josh Pinnau.

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Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads: Clean Sweep

After taking two in a row against Idaho, the Grizzlies were up against a stiff challenge in game three of the series on Saturday night. Utah’s lineup remained the same as they faced down former Grizz goalie Ryan Faragher.

First Period

  • Idaho to the power play first.
  • The Grizzlies followed up a flawless penalty kill with a wild scramble around Faragher.
  • WALLLYYYYYYYYYYY!! Walters puts the Grizzlies up 1-0 from Taylor Richart!! And it was a very nice one. He took the puck around a crowd of players and past his former teammate.

  • WELCOME. BACK. MITCH. 2-0 Grizzlies!
  • Idaho is definitely trying to pick a fight with whomever will fall for it.
  • Shots are 7-1 for Utah with 8:50 to go in the first period.
  • What a pair of phenomenal saves from Carr as that Idaho penalty came to an end.
  • It feels like every single game Mike Economos gets a step faster. Every single game.
  • A little bit of the old razzle dazzle from Julien Nantel there! (Unfortunately, Faragher flashed the leather with a little flair of his own.)
  • Carr sees Faragher’s flashy moves on the other end of the ice, and responds with one of his own!
  • ONE of these days, Nantel is gonna bury one of those incredible looks.
  • Idaho in on the breakaway, only to be stopped stone cold by Kevin Carr.
  • If Taylor getting pitchforked isn’t a penalty, how’s that play by Ausmus one??? As AD used to say… I don’t know about that…
  • Either way, that was exactly the start the Grizzlies needed. 13-7 are shots for Utah after the first.

Second Period

  • More of that awesome puck support we saw from the past couple of nights.
  • Carr doesn’t often protest after he lets a goal in. He was immediately adamant after that one that it shouldn’t be a goal. Refs are talking about it.
  • NO GOAL. Always trust Carrsy.
  • Don’t know about the rest of you, but definitely not used to Teigan Zahn NOT being the biggest guy on the ice.
  • Kevin Carr, ladies and gentlemen.
  • Walters takes exception to the Idaho pushing and shoving around Carr, and is sent to the box. The fans are not amused.
  • We’re just gonna spend the entire second period on the kill, aren’t we.
  • Idaho to the box, and Herbert and Dickinson join up for a gorgeous four-on-four chance.
  • …Except now apparently Dickinson to the box for…reasons.
  • Idaho scores after being given ever possible chance on the power play.
  • YOU MAY BEAT KEVIN CARR FOUR-ON-THREE, BUT YOU’RE NOT GONNA BEAT HIM ON THE WRAP-AROUND.
  • HOW did Carr save that???? It was already BEHIND him????
  • Kevin Carr is the first star of this game for this period alone, and I don’t care if we lose by six. He is playing lights out.
  • HERBERT SAYS THAT’S RUBBISH AND WE’RE UP 3-1!! What a move.
  • Idaho playing a lot tighter on this penalty kill.
  • UHG. Short-handed goal.
  • Here’s to hoping the Grizzlies are able to score another couple in the third to keep the Steelheads out of the win column…

Third Period

  • Grizzlies are struggling to pass cleanly early on, but are still doing a good job at boxing the Steelheads out…mostly.
  • Five-on-three for Utah. The Grizzlies NEED to get a goal on this one.
  • …This is a very underwhelming five-on-three. No hustle, and the passes are not ideal.
  • That power play could come back to haunt them in a big way.
  • Now would be a really good time for the killer instinct from the first period to make a return.
  • Kevin Carr coming up big again.
  • The way some parts of the second and third period have gone, an argument could be made that the Grizzlies don’t entirely deserve to win this game. On the other hand, Carr definitely does not deserve to lose it.
  • A lot more energy as the final period passes the half-way mark. They’re looking more like the first period team.
  • There’s still too much time…
  • Caleb Herbert, man. The things he can do.
  • Again. Herbert and the things he can do.
  • OH geez… Henke went hard into the boards, and has to be helped off the ice. That’s the last thing this already injury plagued team needs.
  • Idaho’s net is empty with 2:28 to go…
  • Still an empty net…less than a minute to go…Idaho calls their time out…
  • MITCH. MAXWELL. EMPTY. NET. GOAL.
  • CHILI FOR ALL, AND GET OUT THOSE BROOMS.
  • Grizzlies win 4-2.

Mitch Maxwell earned first star of the game with his first and second goals of the year, while Caleb Herbert’s GWG earned him second star. Idaho’s Keegan Kanzig received the third star with a goal and an assist. Carr definitely could have been one of the stars as well, with his outstanding performance–especially in the second period.

“I think it just comes down to team effort,” Maxwell said after the game. “Carrsy was great in the net when we had little lulls he held us in it, and we capitalized on our opportunities. We’re a pretty confident team right now, and we’re just excited to be here at the rink. It was a big three wins for us, and we’re ready to get going for next week.”

Of Carr’s play, especially in the second period, he added, “Carrsy made some huge saves when we had some lulls like I said. Without him we definitely don’t have these three wins. He was a huge part of our success this weekend.”

“We’re playing pretty good hockey right now,” Tim Branham said when speaking of the series in general. “Good goaltending today, that’s for sure. Got some help from our affiliate, those two, Nantel and Downing for the series, and Boikov for the first game, those are three elite players right that can play at the next level. Any time you can add that, it’s great. But you know what, our boys came together there in that last road trip, playing short, understanding what it takes to win, and I think we know now–I think we knew, but we’re proving to everybody–that when we play our style, when we have our lineup, nobody can beat us.”

Speaking of that lineup, Walters appears to be heating up, with points in the last five games (and three multiple point games in that stretch) and ten points in the nine games since he returned, while Herbert has points in ten of the twelve games he’s played since coming back from Colorado, and is now third in the league in points and goals (one behind Zach Pochiro of Allen, and Reid Gardiner of Kalamazoo). Economos has five points in the last five games, and Dickinson has eight points in his last ten since arriving from Colorado. Although he hasn’t scored yet, Downing has been incredible, while Carr is now 5-1-1 in his last seven starts.

“I thought he was just fantastic,” Branham said of Carr. “He’s been that way for quite some time now. I think early on in the year when you’ve got Joe Cannata, and you’re not playing many games, you’re not getting into it. Now he’s playing every game, and we just see what kind of goaltender he is. He was tremendous tonight, tremendous. Just calm, steady back there, controlling the rebounds, he made some big saves. Our D are playing phenomenal, with Zahn leading the way, they’re defending well, trying to keep shots to the outside as best they can. Our forwards do a good job of scoring, and helping track through the middle of the ice to defend. Honestly, that was a complete team effort. Really proud of the boys, and it definitely feels good. Some much needed rest to recover here, and we’ll get back at her next weekend.”

The upcoming games on Friday and Saturday are part of Grizzlies Fight Cancer week, and are the first two of a three game home stand against Kansas City that will conclude on Monday with a matinee game for President’s Day.

 

Goals

  • First Period: Walters (Richart), Maxwell (Zahn, Economos)
  • Second Period: Herbert (Anderson, Marchment)
  • Third Period: Maxwell (EN)

 

 

Photo courtesy of Action Sports Photography and staff.

Utah Grizzlies vs Idaho Steelheads: Let it Snow

On a snowy Wednesday night after a lengthy road trip, the Grizzlies got a number of reinforcements from Colorado to bolster a very injury depleted roster. Forward Grayson Downing and defenseman Sergei Boikov made their Utah debuts, while Julien Nantel returned as well. Kevin Carr made the start against the Idaho Steelheads.

First Period

  • Downing looks like he’s gonna be fun to have around.
  • Nantel wastes no time at all getting back on the board! 1-0 Utah 2:09 in from Turner Ottenbreit and Josh Dickinson!
  • Getting two penalties together is not ideal. Good kill though.
  • The beginning of that power play started well. It did not end that way though.
  • Well, we get a redo!
  • Jake Marchment did not miss that tip in by much.
  • Teigan Zahn to the box with about six to go. Utah did a good job giving the Steelheads trouble getting out of the zone.
  • Idaho ties it up and Zahn and Keegan Kanzig drop the gloves.
  • Josh Anderson has had a couple of nice defensive moves this period.
  • Shots are 12-6 for Utah, but we’re tied 1-1.

Second Period

  • Power play Utah 17 seconds in.
  • Liking Boikov’s play. Very calm and polished.
  • Not a great power play so far. Not a lot of urgency, and Idaho has two shots to Utah’s one thus far.
  • Very nice move by Richart to take away the puck just above the blue paint.
  • Another pair of nice plays by Anderson. He’s looking very good.
  • Not wild about how much defensive zone time there has been in the first five minutes.
  • Yeesh, that was close.
  • The second half of this period has been much better for Utah.
  • THAT’S TWO FOR NANTEL!! Walters with the pass from the boards to give the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead on the power play! Dickinson gets the second assist!

  • Both 11s run afoul of each other. Looked like Richart might have gotten clipped in the face by Dahl’s skate.
  • Kanzig looks like he’s trying to take on Ottenbreit and Anderson at the same time there.
  • Good penalty kill there. Not even a shot allowed!

Third Period

  • HOW DID THAT GO IN?? Away, WHO CARES. GOAL ECONOMOS.
  • Walters did not miss that net by very much short-handed.
  • Back to the power play Utah goes.
  • Nantel’s hat trick bid didn’t miss by much.
  • Anderson and Moroz tangle.
  • Anderson with a big hit, Nantel with a nice rush up the ice, and the crowd appreciates both.
  • The Grizzlies have had a couple of really long delayed power plays this game.
  • WALTERS CAPITALIZES ON SOME BEAUTIFUL PASSING FROM HENKE AND NANTEL.
  • Grizzlies win 4-1!!

Anderson had a very good game defensively, and was named defenseman of the game, while Nantel (2G, 1A), Dickinson (2A), and Economos (1G) were the game’s three stars, though Ryan Walters (1G, 1A) could easily have be named one of the stars as well.

Additionally as mentioned, Downing and Boikov are both going to be great additions to the Grizzlies for however long they’re here. Downing is a very good two-way forward, and as mentioned, Boikov is polished and quite defensively sound. Carr went 19/20 for his 15th win of the year, and the Grizzlies are now tied with Idaho for first in the Mountain.

These two teams will face off two more times this weekend on Friday and Saturday in the continued battle for divisional supremacy.

Photo courtesy of Action Sports Photography.