West Valley City, Utah – The Utah Grizzlies (26-16-2-0) defeated the Rapid City Rush 5-4 at Maverik Center Saturday night before 8,372 fans for the team’s 15th annual Guns N Hoses night.
The Grizzlies raised over $16,000 in their post-game jersey auction with all proceeds going to the 1033 Foundation.
“This was a great crowd tonight,” said Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. “Obviously it was a really important event for this city and our hockey club. We wanted to play hard and put on a good show. We do that by scoring goals; the crowd was really into it and the boys were excited. I thought they played really good hockey this weekend.”
The Grizzlies scored their fastest goal of the season to start a game 1:23 into the contest as Josh MacDonald added his first of two on the period and it was 1-0 Utah as Alex Krushelnyski picked up a turnover.
“These were two must-win games and we found a way to get it done,” said Branham. “We’ll enjoy the day off tomorrow and get some much needed rest, come back at it on Monday and get ready for our road trip.”
Josh MacDonald made it 2-1 6:04 into the first period 2:03 after a Rapid City equalizer as Ryan Walters recorded an assist and fed the Grizzlies rookie in transition.
Kenton Helgesen’s first pro goal, as the Grizzlies grinded in the Rapid City zone, came with 2:33 left in the first period as linemates Brent Gwidt and Erik Higby added assists.
Higby made it 4-1 1:04 into the third period from Shayne Taker and Roberts Lipsbergs getting assists as Rapid City changed goaltenders and brought in Sam Marotta.
After two Rapid City goals, Helgesen’s second of the night with five seconds left to go to the second period made it 5-3.
The Rush scored with 1:46 left to make it 5-4 as the Grizzlies held on.
Ryan Faragher improved to 18-7-1-0 in the win.
The line of Helgsen (two goals), Gwidt (two assists) and Higby (one goal, one assist) combined for three of the Grizzlies five goals. All five goals tonight for the Grizzlies were scored by rookies.
The Grizzlies were honored to have the family of Unified Police Officer Doug Barney in attendance at the game. His son Jack dropped the ceremonial first puck prior to the game, rode the zamboni during the first intermission and participated as coach for the police officers in their 2 p.m. charity game against local firefighters.
“It’s unreal,” said Helgesen. “It definitely makes you think twice about everything. It was great to have them. They came into the room and it was special for the group.”
The Grizzlies return to action Thursday in Tulsa.
Utah is next in action at Maverik Center on Saturday, February 13 against Idaho. Bring your sweetheart and skate with the Grizzlies after the game.
With Utah Grizzlies release
