ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Justin Johnson's Hat Trick Leads Utah Past Stockton 6-4

February 7, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


Stockton, California - The Utah Grizzlies (24-20-0-4) defeated the Stockton Thunder 6-4 Wednesday night at the Stockton Arena. Justin Johnson picked up a hat trick with three goals in the game. Mike Mole made 49 saves for his 14th win of the year. The Grizzlies are now unbeaten in five of the last six games and now lead Alaska by five points for third place in the ECHL's West Division.

The Grizzlies jumped up 1-0 in the first with a goal from Olivier Labelle (16) assisted by Sean Offers and Garett Bembridge 2:42 into the game.

Trailing 2-1 entering the second, James Sanford tied the game for the Grizzlies with 32 seconds gone by in the second and Utah would never trail again. At that point, Justin Johnson took over getting his three goals in 6 minutes and 14 seconds as Utah built a 5-3 lead after two periods. All three of Johnson's goals were assisted by Travis Rycroft and Chris Gaudet.

Utah added an insurance goal 7:55 into the third with Ryan Kinasewich scoring his 11th of the year and the score was 6-3.

Justin Johnson becomes the eighth Utah player this year to record a hat trick.

Utah was outshot 53-31in the game.

Utah returns to action Friday in Fresno. Face-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

Utah returns home Thursday, February 14 opening a three-game-in-three-night home stand with Bakersfield.

Check out the Utah Grizzlies Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 7, 2008


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.

OurSports Central