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ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Beat Alaska 6-2; Clinch 9th Straight Playoff Appearance

April 2, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies (37-26-3-3) defeated the Alaska Aces 6-2 Friday night at Maverik Center.

With the win, the Grizzlies officially clinch their ninth consecutive playoff berth.

"We got the job done; the most important thing was getting the two points," said Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. "Secondly, we did a great job sticking up for each other. We're playing against a team that's playing for jobs for next year. They're out of the playoffs but give them credit - they're playing hard. I thought we played a solid game from start to finish."

All ten Utah forwards scored in the contest with Barry Almeida leading the way with two goals and one assist on his 25th and 26th goals of the night. Mark Owuya stopped 26 of 28 shots to improve to 6-5-0-1 on the season and 4-1-0-1 at Maverik Center.

"[Almeida] has done it all year," said Branham. "One game he had four or five goals; he's been really dynamic all season. He's reliable, a leader in the dressing room; you can't say enough about what he's done both on and off the ice."

Alaska took an early 1-0 lead as they took advantage of a Utah turnover 4:34 into the contest. Utah responded with two goals in 1:39 from Almeida and Matt Berry to make it 2-1 at 13:04 of the second period. Charlie Sarault assisted on both goals.

"The crowds have been unreal and we really appreciate it," said Almeida. "We'll come out tomorrow hard for them and hopefully get another two points."

Utah made it 3-1 5:03 into the second period as Alex Krushelnyski kept his stick below the bar and scored his 24th of the season on a rebound from a Bryan Moore shot. Erik Higby also picked up an assist.

Ryan Hayes made it 4-2 1:11 after Alaska inched within one on a power-play goal on his 11th of the year as he pulled the trigger on a two-on-one with 3:53 left in the second.

Brent Gwidt scored on the power-play in the third period to make it 5-2 and Almeida finished the scoring on a two-on-owe as he took a great feed from Moore (two assists).

C.J. Eick scored his first two professional points in the game.

The end of the second period was filled with penalties as the two teams combined for 151 penalty minutes in the contest.

Saturday is the Grizzlies regular season finale at 7 p.m. Team posters will be handed out to fans upon entry and the team will be signing them in the grand lobby after the game. In addition, fans will be able to purchase a lower bowl ticket that includes a Grizzlies T-Shirt for $20 at the arena box office when mentioning this offer.

Tickets for the 2016 Kelly Cup Playoffs will be on sale soon. Visit UtahGrizzlies.com and follow the team on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information.

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