AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins Sizzle Against Grizzlies, 3-2

Published on February 5, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


WEST VALLEY CITY, UT - In their first game after the All-Star break, the Grand Rapids Griffins (29-12-7-2) used two goals by center Jason Williams and a power play tally by center Tomas Kopecky to defeat the Utah Grizzlies (25-19-3-1) by the score of 3-2 at the "E" Center on Wednesday night. Williams has scored five goals and six points in the last two games and 12 points in the last seven outings. Left wing Michel Picard assisted on Kopecky's goal, giving him 300 assists in his AHL career.

The Griffins now have a 15-3-3-2 record (0.761) in games away from Van Andel Arena.

The Grizzlies got on the board first when Mark Wotton beat Griffins goaltender Marc Lamothe at 10:36 of the opening frame. Steve Ott and Jim Montgomery earned assists on the play.

Kopecky capped a pinpoint passing play on the power play when he whistled a shot past Grizzlies netminder Corey Hirsch at 17:29 of the first period.

Picard and center Stacy Roest assisted on the goal. The Grizzlies answered with a power play marker by Jon Sim at 4:25 of the second period, giving the home team a 2-1 lead. Montgomery and Greg Hawgood assisted on the goal.

Williams' first goal came on a two-on-one breakaway. He gathered a pass, crossed the blue line, waited for Hirsch to commit and calmly lifted the puck over Hirsch into the net, knotting the score at two at 9:05 of the third period. Center Mark Mowers and defenseman Philippe Plante assisted on the goal.

Williams gained the lead for the Griffins when his shot deflected off Grizzlies' defenseman Jeff MacMillan and past Hirsch at 13:40 of final frame.

Lamothe made 25 saves for his 19th win of the season. Hirsch stopped 20 shots in a losing effort.

The Griffins return home for two games at Van Andel Arena. The Norfolk Admirals make their only trip of the season to West Michigan on Friday night. The Chicago Wolves return to Grand Rapids on Saturday night. Both games are slated to begin at 7:30 p.m.

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American Hockey League Stories from February 5, 2003


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