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ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Faragher, Grizzlies Shut out Steelheads

October 16, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Faragher, Grizzlies Shut out Steelheads
Faragher, Grizzlies Shut out Steelheads
(Idaho Steelheads)

West Valley, UT-The Steelheads fired 32 shots on goal Saturday night at Maverik Center, including 17 in the third period, but Ryan Faragher had an answer for each one as the Utah Grizzlies (2-0-0) shut out the Idaho Steelheads (0-2-0) 3-0 to sweep the opening weekend in West Valley.

Branden Komm was solid as well with 31 saves in his first action of the season for Idaho, with 18 saves in the first period, but it wasn't enough to top the Grizzlies.

Jon Puskar opened the scoring with his second goal of the season at 7:52 of the first period, as the Steelheads were hurt on another broken play. Travis Ewanyk drove the net for the Steelheads out of the corner and got several prime stuff-in attempts that Faragher fought off. Following the scramble, the puck hit a loose stick on the ice that kept Steelheads forward Anthony Luciani from handling it cleanly. The Grizzlies took the puck back and Taylor Richart led Puskar on a partial breakaway for a 1-0 lead.

At 15:31 the Grizzlies extended their lead. After a Puskar shot missed the net, the carom came right back in front through Komm's feet. Charlie Dodero cleared the puck away but couldn't keep possession in the corner, as Matthieu Aubin scooped up the puck and passed it in front for Brandon McNally's first goal of the season and a 2-0 Grizzlies' advantage.

The Steelheads kept the deficit at two goals throughout the second period, despite being on the penalty kill for the period's first 4:31. The period began with Luciani in the box, and penalties were tacked on shortly after with calls against Kellan Lain and Corbin Baldwin that forced Idaho to kill off two separate 5-on-3 disadvantages. They survived thanks to solid goaltending from Komm, as well as good penalty killing that included strong work from rookie Connor Chatham.

Utah's Shane Walsh made it 3-0 at 5:51 of the third, slamming home a pass from behind the net by Jordan Samuels-Thomas.

The Steelheads were a perfect 8-for-8 on the penalty kill, but failed on all six power play chances, including back-to-back opportunities to start the third period when they trailed 2-0.

The Steelheads and Grizzlies will meet again this Friday for the Steelheads' home-opener at CenturyLink Arena, with puck-drop scheduled for 7:10pm MT. The game is available on Cable One, ECHLTV and 93.1FM KTIK.

STEELHEADS STATS: Branden Komm: 31 saves on 34 shots Power Play: 0-for-6 Penalty Kill: 8-for-8

CENTURYLINK THREE STARS OF THE GAME

1. Ryan Faragher UTA

2. Jon Puskar UTA

3. Evan Stoflet UTA

COORS LIGHT OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME Jon Puskar: 1 goal, 1 assist, plus-2, 4 shots

PLAY OF THE GAME: The opening goal by Jon Puskar was Idaho's weekend in a nut-shell. Travis Ewanyk had a glorious opportunity after bringing the puck right to the front of the net and jamming away, but couldn't get to the other side of Ryan Faragher's left pad. Moments later, a bouncing puck and a discarded stick lead to a breakaway and a 1-0 deficit. In a game where both teams got strong goaltending, the Grizzlies were able to take advantage of their bounces and build on their lead.

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Faragher, Grizzlies Shut out Steelheads
Faragher, Grizzlies Shut out Steelheads
   



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