WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – The Utah Grizzlies defeated the Colorado Eagles 4-3 in overtime Friday night at Maverik Center to improve to 4-1 on the season.
“We are finding ways to win and that’s what it’s all about,” said Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. “The character in that room is through the roof. We know our strengths and weaknesses and play accordingly. There’s a never say die attitude and they love playing for each other so it’s fun to be apart of.”
Austen Brassard (one goal, one assist) forced a turnover in the neutral zone and skated in unassisted for the game-winning goal with 1:21 left in overtime.
Utah had three one-goal leads in the contest before Colorado rallied back each time; including twice in the third period.
Ralph Cuddemi gave Utah a 1-0 lead 3:06 into the first period as he hammered in a shot after Austen Brassard hit a post. The Eagles made it 1-1 10:09 later at 13:15. The goal came in his first game with the Grizzlies after being acquired in a trade Monday.
Erik Higby made it 2-1 Utah as he skated up the left wing side with 1:04 left in the second period. The lead lasted until 52 seconds into the third period when Colorado scored off of a face-off.
Jon Puskar gave Utah a 3-2 lead as he redirected in a five-on-three power-play goal from Mike Banwell and Mathieu Aubin 6:25 into the third period.
Grizzlies goaltender Ryan Faragher improved to 3-0 in the win as he stopped 28 of 31 shots.
“He made some big saves,” said Branham on Faragher. “It’s fun to see how flexible he is out there as he’s making those saves. You can’t win in this league without a good goaltender and we definitely have that.”
The Grizzlies and Colorado meet again Saturday at 7 p.m. Adults in costume will be admitted for $12, kids in costume for $5 and we will have Trunk or Treating during the second intermission. Also, Saturday, fans coming from the Utah/Washington game will get a $12 lower bowl ticket in their Utes gear.
With Utah Grizzlies release
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