WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – The Idaho Steelheads defeated the Utah Grizzlies (18-13-2-0) 1-0 Friday night at Maverik Center.
“I thought tonight we took it to them for the majority of the game,” said Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. “We were just unable to find the back of the net. Give credit to their goaltender but also we need to pay the price to put the puck in the net.”
The lone goal in the game was scored 2:20 into the first period on a power-play as a puck deflected off of a Utah stick in the back of the net.
“We’ve been facing some good goaltenders and we’ve got to make sure that we’re getting traffic in front of the net,” said Branham. “At the end of the day, it’s not an easy game. Teams are going to be gunning for you when you’re on top; we have to find a way to get points.”
The game was a goaltender battle won by Jack Campbell who stopped all 37 shots fired on net by Utah. Grizzlies goaltender Ryan Faragher stopped 22 of 23 and 22-straight shots to finish the game.
“Faragher is the core of our team and always gives us a chance to win,” said defenseman Phil Pietroniro.
The Grizzlies outshot Idaho 37-23, including 28-11 over the final two periods and 20-6 in the third period.
Josh MacDonald led Utah with five shots on goal, Barry Almeida and Erik Higby had four.
With Utah Grizzlies release
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