Grizzlies Fall 3-2 in Series Opener

December 5, 2024 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release

West Valley City, Utah - Aaron Aragon and Cade Neilson each had 1 goal and 1 assist for the Utah Grizzlies but it wasn't enough as the Kansas City Mavericks held on for a 3-2 win in the series opener at Maverik Center.

Kansas City scored first as Nolan Sullivan got an unassisted goal 6:25 into the contest. The Mavericks are now 10-1-0-1 when scoring first. KC led 1-0 after 20 minutes of play.

Utah tied it up 6:32 into the second period as Cade Neilson scored his third of the year. Less than a minute later Cade Borchardt scored on a centering pass from Casey Carreau as the Mavericks retook the lead 7:16 in. The Mavericks extended their lead on a power play goal from Damien Giroux 13:34 in. Kansas City went 1 for 2 on the power play as they led 3-1 after 2 frames.

Utah's Aaron Aragon scored on a scramble play 7:25 into the third period with Neilson and Dilan Savenkov getting the assists. That cut the KC lead to 3-2, which they held on to as the Mavericks earned the one goal win.

KC goaltender Jack LaFontaine stopped 28 of 30 in the win as his record goes to 4-2-0-1 on the season. Utah's Adam Scheel saved 25 of 28 in the loss.

Cole Fonstad had 4 shots on goal in his Grizzlies debut. He was reassigned to the Grizzlies from the AHL's Colorado Eagles earlier in the day. Andrew Nielsen had 1 assist and 1 shot on goal in his first game back in a Utah uniform as he was acquired in a trade with the Worcester Railers.

The series continues on Friday and Saturday nights with Healthcare Appreciation Weekend presented by U of U health. Face-off both evenings are at 7:10 pm. Tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000.

3 stars

1. Damien Giroux (KC) - 1 goal, 3 shots.

2. Jack LaFontaine (KC) - 28 of 30 saves.

3. Nolan Sullivan (KC) - 1 goal, +1, 2 shots.

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from December 5, 2024

• Thunder Holds off Allen with 4-2 Win - Wichita Thunder
• Americans Drop a 4-2 Game in Wichita - Allen Americans
• Chau's Two-Goal Second Period Leads Everblades to 3-2 Win over Icemen - Florida Everblades
• Solar Bears Acquire Rookie Forward Andrew Coxhead from Kansas City - Orlando Solar Bears
• Mavericks Acquire Defenseman Jimmy Mazza Via Trade with Orlando - Kansas City Mavericks
• Tyson Feist Loaned to Orlando by Syracuse, Hudson Thornton Loaned to Orlando by Hershey, Solar Bears Acquire Kris Myllari from Everblades - Orlando Solar Bears
• Bison Claim Andrei Bakanov - Bloomington Bison
• ECHL Transactions - December 5 - ECHL
• Defenseman Hudson Thornton Recalled by Hershey Bears and Loaned to Orlando - South Carolina Stingrays
• Thunder Acquire Forward Sam Ruffin from Indy Fuel - Adirondack Thunder
• Thunder Acquire Forward Sam Ruffin from Indy - Adirondack Thunder
• Jacob Ingham Assigned to the Swamp Rabbits Ahead of Weekend - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
• Wichita Closes Homestand Tonight vs. Allen - Wichita Thunder
• Defenseman Matt Anderson Rejoins Fish for Remainder of 2024-25 Season - Toledo Walleye
• Game Day Preview: Americans at Wichita, 7:05 PM CST - Allen Americans
• 'Clones Drop Home Contest against the Komets - Cincinnati Cyclones
• Lions Drop Opener of Three-Game Series against the Steelheads - Trois-Rivieres Lions
• Sergei Murashov Named ECHL Rookie of the Month - Wheeling Nailers
• Americans Swept by Tahoe - Allen Americans
• Grizzlies Fall 3-2 in Series Opener - Utah Grizzlies

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Utah Grizzlies Stories

• Grizzlies Win 7-6 in a Shootout on Retro Night
• Luke LaMaster Scores First Pro Goal at Maverik Center
• Grizzlies Gameday - March 28, 2025 - Allen at Utah
• Grizzlies Win 6-5 Thriller at Maverik Center
• Grizzlies Gameday: Series Opener at Maverik Center - March 26, 2025