ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies To Honor Palazzari Tomorrow

Published on November 17, 2005 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies will honor former Salt Lake Golden Eagle Doug Palazzari at the E-Center prior to Friday's game with Phoenix. Tonight the 5-foot-5 scorer, nicknamed "Pizza," will be the first hockey player inducted into the Utah Sports Hall of Fame.

Palazzari's Utah connection began in 1977-78, when the Blues moved their CHL affiliation to Salt Lake from Kansas City. "Pizza" won the loop's "Triple Crown" of scoring (45 goals, 56 assists =101 points), and garnered CHL "MVP" honors--the first American to do so. He was also chosen by both USA Hockey and The Hockey News as their "Player of the Year."

In 1979-80, he had his best year in Salt Lake, again winning the CHL's "Triple Crown" (48 goals, 61 assists =109 points), being named MVP, earning his second Hockey News "Top Player" honor, and leading the Golden Eagles to the Adams Cup. Cup #2 followed in '80-81, although Palazzari missed 55 games with a severe shoulder separation. His playing career ended after the '81-82 campaign, and he had become the organization's all-time scoring leader.

Doug worked in sales for the Eagles for four years, and then moved into coaching positions with his alma mater, Colorado College, and with USA Hockey. He would spend 13 years with USA Hockey, and was named its Executive Director in 1999, a position he held until late this past spring. In 2000, he was inducted into both the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and Colorado College's Hall of Fame.

The Grizzlies are home this Friday and Saturday hosting Phoenix. Tickets for all games can be purchased now by visiting www.UtahGrizzlies.com , the E-Center Box Office or any Smith's Tix Location.

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