ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Beat Alaska 5-0 on First Pro Shutout for Taran Kozun

Published on December 10, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies (12-8-2-0) defeated the Alaska Aces 5-0 Wednesday night at Maverik Center.

"We have a lot of speed and skill," said Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. "When the guys are having fun and being positive, good things are going to happen because of our skill level. That's what we're trying to generate here. As long as we have the right mindset, working hard, and having fun, good things are going to happen. I'm proud we got a win; we need to be sure we start the game on the right foot."

Grizzlies goaltender Taran Kozun stopped all 26 shots that he saw for his first professional shutout after Utah put up four goals in the third period to take over the contest. Defenseman Eric Knodel was on the ice for all five Utah goals and finished with a plus-five.

"I thought Taran played really well," said Branham. "He controlled his rebounds well. I thought our penalty-kill was pretty good tonight."

After killing two early penalties and getting some saves from Kozun, the Grizzlies kept the contest scoreless after one period.

Utah made it 1-0 7:07 into the second period as Ryan Walters (6) tipped in a Corey Fienhage blast after first winning a face-off.

"This last weekend we lost a couple games and we just wanted to get back on track," said forward Ryan Walters who finished with two goals and one assist. "We were paying attention to details and it paid off."

The Grizzlies big third period started with a goal by Roberts Lipsbergs as Knodel won a battle along the wall to hold the puck in before Matt Berry fed Lipsburgs for the shot between the dots 1:20 into the final frame.

Utah made it 3-0 at 10:51 as Ryan Walters walked in shorthanded and scored on the second effort for his second goal of the night.

Charles Sarault (6) scored on a tough angle shot with 6:26 left in regulation on a great setup by Alex Krushelnyski, who scored himself from Sarault and Walters with 1:28 left to finish the contest.

Sarault (one goal, one assist), Krushelnyski (one goal, one assist), Berry (two assists) and Knodel (two assists) all had multiple-point games.

Friday, December 11

Receive up to $10 off a game ticket when donating a can of food at arena box office. $10 off corner and center plaza tickets and $5 off party plaza tickets with donation.

Saturday, December 12

The Grizzlies team with Salt Lake City Comic Con for Star Wars Night. The Grizzlies encourage fans to come in costume. The team's Star Wars uniforms will be auctioned off live after the game for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Ticket Packages

Grizzlies ticket packages start at $30 for three games and can be purchased by calling (801) 988-8000. Full season ticket packages include: free parking, concession discounts, exclusive events with the team and more.

Check out the Utah Grizzlies Statistics

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