ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Open 15th Season Saturday In Boise

Published on October 16, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies, proud affiliate of the New York Islanders, open their 2008-2009 season Saturday in Boise at Qwest Arena. Face-off is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. The home opening weekend for Utah is the following weekend; Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25 when they will host Alaska at the E-Center.

The Coaches

Former New York Islander and 2007-2008 Grizzlies Assistant Coach Kevin Colley enters his first season as the Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. At 29, Colley is the youngest coach in the ECHL by nearly three years. Former Grizzlies defenseman Jeff Dwyer, 27 enters his first year as the Grizzlies Assistant Coach.

The Team

This year's team returns seven players from last year's conference finals run including leading scorer Ryan Kinasewich. While the team carries only one veteran in Tim Verbeek, 15 of the 20 players on the opening week roster played in the ECHL last year.

Goaltenders

In an extremely rare set of circumstances, the Grizzlies return both goaltenders from last year. Nathan Lawson and Mike Mike combined to go 32-20-6 last year with the Grizzlies during the regular season.

Opening Nights

The Grizzlies open on the road for the third-straight year and the third time in four years since joining the ECHL. This, however, is the first time since joining the ECHL, that the Grizzlies haven't opened against Phoenix. Utah has not won their first game of the season since 2001 when they won on the road in Grand Rapids.

Return To Idaho

Matt Craig, who played last season in Idaho after his first two pro seasons in Utah plays his first game back with the Grizzlies against his former team. Tim Verbeek and Justin Johnson have also logged time in their careers with Idaho.

On The Air

Once again, all Grizzlies games will air on Utah Grizzlies Radio 860 AM and on www.utahgrizzlies.com. Coverage starts 30 minutes prior to face-off with "Grizzlies On-The Fly." The team's weekly talk show "Grizzlies Live" airs every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. from the Ruby Tuesday adjacent to the E-Center.

Buy Tickets

Individual game tickets can be purchased online at www.utahgrizzlies.com at the E-Center box office, any Ticketmaster location or by calling (801) 325-SEAT. Groups of ten or more are eligible for group discounts by calling (801) 988-PUCK.

The Utah Grizzlies, of the ECHL, celebrate their 15th anniversary season in 2008-2009. Owned and operated by the Elmore Sports Group, the Grizzlies enter their second season and sixth overall as an affiliate of the New York Islanders. South Jordan resident and former Islander Kevin Colley enters his first season as the Grizzlies Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations after serving as Jason Christie's Assistant Coach in 2007-2008 as the team advanced to the National Conference Finals. The Grizzlies play all home games at the E-Center of West Valley City, which hosted hockey during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

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