ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizz Fall to Griffins

Published on December 31, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


Grand Rapids, Michigan - Utah looked to be gaining momentum after their two impressive victories over the weekend against the Cleveland Barons but a poor defensive showing in the second period allowed Grand Rapids to score a season-high five goals in one period en route to a 6-2 victory in front of 5,107 fans at the Van Andel Arena.

The Griffins used three goals scored 2:07 apart to grab a 3-0 lead early in the second period. Rob Collins, Mark Mowers and Dave Van Drunen scored for the Griffins. Just 48 seconds after the Griffins gained the 3-0 lead, Barrett Heisten scored his fourth goal of the season putting Utah on the board. Tim Skarperud would increase the Grand Rapids lead to 4-1 with his seventh goal of the season and first of two on the night. Utah would face a Grand Rapids power play and look to be pushed back against the wall but a 2-1 rush for Eric Landry and Steve Gainey would produce the first shorthanded goal of the season for Gainey (seventh goal of the season) and cut the lead to 4-2 in the second period. Grand Rapids would answer back with Hugo Boisvert's eighth goal of the season putting the score at 5-2 after two periods.

The only goal in the third period came from Skarperud, his second of the night, at the 6:49 mark putting the game away for the Griffins.

Utah was outshot 34-22 and went 0 for 7 on the power play, while Grand Rapids went scoreless in five chances.

Three Stars: 1. Tim Skarperud (Griffins) 2. Dave Van Drunen (Griffins) 3. Mark Mowers (Griffins)

Next Game: The Grizzlies will square off against the Griffins again tomorrow night in the rematch. Face-off is scheduled for 5:00 PM mst.

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ECHL Stories from December 31, 2002


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