WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – The Utah Grizzlies (5-1) defeated the Colorado Eagles (4-1-1-0) 3-2 in a shootout Saturday night at Maverik Center.
“That was a big win for us, we’re off to a good start and now we have to keep it going,” said Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham.
Ryan Faragher stopped all five shots in overtime and denied all four shots in the shootout to improve to 4-0 on the season. The Grizzlies goaltender stopped 26 of 28 through regulation.
“Faragher had a great game; he made some big saves for us, that’s for sure,” said Branham.
Grizzlies rookie Shane Walsh ended the contest in the bottom of round four and was the only skater from either side to score in the shootout. Walsh gave Utah a 1-0 lead 10:41 into the first period on his fourth goal of the year. The play was setup on a drop pass by Austen Brassard. Tim Daly also added an assist.
Tied at one going to the second period, Kenton Helgesen gave Utah a 2-1 lead 3:09 into the second period. The Grizzlies won a face-off shorthanded and Helgesen threw in a shot from the point. Ralph Cuddemi and Evan Stoflet tacked on the assists.
“It’s great; it’s exciting hockey,” said Helgesen. “We have great fans here. It’s loud and fun to play here.”
The lead held until 27 seconds left in regulation when a lose puck in front was hacked home by Colorado with an extra attacker.
The Grizzlies improved to 4-0 at home in the win. “We’ve done a great job here at home the last three years; it’s all due to the fans,” said Branham. “It’s a great building and our fans are just tremendous. They get behind us no matter what, they support us and the boys love playing here.”
Utah opens a four-game in five-night road trip Wednesday in Tulsa. Face-off is at 6 p.m.
The Grizzlies return home Friday, November 11 to host Allen. Face-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
With Utah Grizzlies release