Grizzlies Open Home Stand with 4-1 Win
Published on February 26, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release
West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies (26-20-5-3) broke a 1-1 third period tie and defeated the Stockton Thunder 4-1 Wednesday night at Maverik Center to open a six-game home stand.
"We found a way to win," said Grizzlies Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. "That's the key. We got down early, found a way to battle back. You put yourself in a tie game going into the 3rd period. You win a period, you win a game. Obviously we came out with intensity in the 3rd period and found a way to win. Good teams do that."
Reigning ECHL Goaltender of the Week Igor Bobkov improved to 11-6-2-0 by stopping 26 of 27 Stockton shots before the Grizzlies got on the board with 4:55 left in the second period.
"Bobkov was great," said Branham. "They tested him early and often. He did a great job controlling his rebounds, making sure they didn't have any second opportunities. Igor has been great for us all season. He's a guy that's first to the rink and last to go home. He's in great shape, enjoys playing and we enjoy having him."
Stockton made it 1-0 3:41 into the first period with 11 seconds left on a power-play situation before the Grizzlies rattled off four-straight goals to finish the contest.
Ryan Hayes scored his first of the night and his 18th of the year as he tapped in a puck going hard to the net on a feed in transition from T.J. Syner.
"We're just winning right now and it feels good to contribute," said Hayes. "We're getting a lot of wins here so it feels great. The team is doing well and everyone is having fun. Bobkov is the Goalie of the Week for a reason. He helps us win a lot of games."
Hayes gave Utah their first lead of the night 9:02 into the third period on his second goal of the evening as he paused on a three-on-two and scored from the right wing circle.
"We needed a goal scorer and he's done that since coming in," said Branham on Hayes, acquired from Stockton in January. "He has scored big goals and has done that his whole career. It's nice to see. We need other guys to follow suit and he can't stop. He needs to keep going."
The Grizzlies made it 3-1 as Alex Krushelnyski picked up a turnover and scored unassisted for his 11th goal of the year with 4:55 remaining in regulation.
Mathieu Aubin scored his 21st of the year into an empty-net to seal the scoring with 1:12 left in regulation.
Upcoming Home Games
Saturday, February 28: Stockton at Utah, 8 p.m.
Pink In The Rink
9th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Night With Specialty Jerseys
Monday, March 2: Stockton at Utah, 7 p.m.
Maverik Monday
Buy 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free With Maverik Adventure Club Card
ECHL Stories from February 26, 2015
- Condors to Remain the Condors in the American Hockey League - Bakersfield Condors
- Reign Announce 7th Annual Fire on Ice - Ontario Reign
- Simpson Provides OT Heroics for Stingrays' 11th Consecutive Win - South Carolina Stingrays
- Beast Sign Former Ryerson Ram Dean Willmott - Brampton Beast
- Joe Howe Traded to Orlando - Rapid City Rush
- Solar Bears Acquire Joe Howe from Rapid City - Orlando Solar Bears
- Reign Announce Fantasy Team and Golden Goalie Participants - Ontario Reign
- Beast Acquire Brett Lyon from Allen Americans - Brampton Beast
- ECHL Transactions - February 26 - ECHL
- Stejskal Rejoins the Gladiators - Atlanta Gladiators
- Cannata Recalled from Reign to AHL - Ontario Reign
- Aces Reassigned LW Ryan Walters from Iowa - Alaska Aces
- Mallards Gear up for Eight Game Homestand - Quad City Mallards
- Stanley Cup Comes to Wheeling on Memorabilia Night - Wheeling Nailers
- Nailers Host NASCAR Night as Part of CORE Night - Wheeling Nailers
- Tassone Loaned to Binghamton - Elmira Jackals
- ECHL Today - February 26 - ECHL
- Stingrays Game Preview: Stingrays Open Florida Road Trip Tonight against Solar Bears - South Carolina Stingrays
- Redmann stops 40 shots, 4 in shootout for road trip opening victory - Alaska Aces
- Condors Battle But Fall to Idaho in Front of 8,751 - Bakersfield Condors
- Tight Game Turns in Utah's Favor - Stockton Thunder
- Grizzlies Open Home Stand with 4-1 Win - Utah Grizzlies
- Everblades Top Gladiators in Shootout 3-2 - Florida Everblades
- Eagles Fall Short of Aces, 2-1, in a Shootout - Colorado Eagles
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.
