LOVELAND, Colo. – The Utah Grizzlies got four goals from Barry Almeida and defeated the Colorado Eagles 5-2 Saturday night at Budweiser Events Center to start the season 2-0.
Grizzlies goaltender and Ducks prospect Ryan Faragher won both games on the weekend as he stopped 70 of 75 shots, including 32 of 34 Saturday.
“Everyone contributed to the wins,” said Almeida. “We needed everyone, we were short guys, but great character wins both nights; really proud of team and a big four point weekend.”
The Grizzlies made it 1-0 with 1:55 left in the first period as the Grizzlies forced a turnover and Corey Fienhage fed Barry Almeida on a two-on-owe for his first goal of the night. Colorado answered with 31 seconds left in the frame and the game was 1-1 at the first intermission.
Utah scored two goals 16 seconds apart early in the second period to build a 3-1 lead. Ryan Walters picked up a turnover and scored on a three-on-owe rush. Off of the face-off, the Grizzlies got back down ice and Matt Berry fed Barry Almeida on a backdoor pass. Faragher stopped 16 of 17 in the second as Colorado made it 3-2 going to the third.
“I’m just trying to contribute anyway I can,” said Almeida. “Obviously tonight, the linemates made it easy.”
The Grizzlies came out aggressive in the third period outshooting Colorado 10-6 and sealing the win. Almeida finished the hat trick as he stood in front of the net as the Eagles tried to clear from behind the net 4:12 into the third.
“First weekend is just learning how to close teams out and win games,” said Almeida. “Yesterday, we gave up a goal late and won in overtime, today we responded really well.”
Almeida finished the scoring as he scored into an empty-net with under three seconds left.
The Grizzlies added three new bodies to the lineup with Cam Wojtala and T.J. Syner getting hurt Friday and Andrew O’Brien being recalled by Anaheim after game one.
With Utah Grizzlies team release
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