ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies Open Six-Game Home Stand Thursday

March 18, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


The Situation

Utah enters the week four points in back of Phoenix for a playoff spot in the ECHL's National Conference. Utah currently has one-game-in-hand on the RoadRunners with nine games left in the regular season. Utah will play six of their final nine games of the regular season at home.

Sanford Arrives

Defenseman James Sanford joined the Grizzlies for Thursday's series opener with Victoria after being assigned from the AHL's Milwaukee Admirals. He tallied one goal and two assists in his first three games with Utah. Sanford's rights were acquired from the Texas Wildcatters on February 28.

Gray Debuts In Goal

6-foot-5 goaltender Ben Gray played Saturday and Sunday for Utah. Saturday, he stopped 45 of 47 shots overall and 45 of 46 to finish the game in Utah's 3-2 win. Gray allowed only two 5-on-5 goals in the two games. He was acquired from Cincinnati on February 28.

McVicar's Streak Ends

With Gray playing this weekend, Rob McVicar's consecutive game streak ended at 24 while his consecutive start streak ended at 21 games.

Matt Craig Returns

Utah's fourth-leading-scorer Matt Craig returned to the Utah lineup on Saturday and recorded one goal and a team-leading seven shots. The second-year-pro had missed the previous six games injured.

Rookie D-Man Signed

Friday, the Grizzlies announced the signing of defenseman Brian Deeth out of Northeastern University where he played four seasons. He has not dressed in a game for the team yet.

Two Hottest Players

Rookie All-Star defenseman Andy Sertich has recorded two goals and seven assists in his last nine games. West Valley native D.J. Jelitto has three goals and four assists in his last nine games; including the game-winning goal Saturday in Victoria.

Versus Stockton Last Year At Home

Utah went 3-0 versus Stockton at the E-Center during the 2005-2006 season. The Grizzlies defeated Stockton 5-3 in their last meeting with the Thunder on January 14, 2007 in Stockton.




ECHL Stories from March 18, 2007


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