ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Orlando Snaps Utah's 4-Game Winning Streak with Wild 6-5 Win

January 3, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


Orlando, Florida - The Orlando Solar Bears defeated the Utah Grizzlies 6-5 in a wild contest Friday night at Amway Center. The loss ends Utah's 4-game winning streak and puts them at 4-1 since Christmas.

The Grizzlies started slow out of the gates as they trailed 3-1 after one period and 4-1 1:02 into the second period. Utah, though, would storm back to tie the contest at 4 going to the third period.

Utah fell behind 90 seconds into the contest and 2-0 13:33 into the second period after they had just failed to score on a two minute five-on-three power-play moments before.

The Grizzlies made it 2-1 on Phil Mangan's third goal in two nights 17:34 into the first period, but turned it over behind their net just 31 seconds later and Orlando got their 3-1 lead back going into the first intermission.

1:02 into the second period, a strange bounce gave Orlando a two-on-one that they took advantage of to make it 4-1.

Utah though would come back as they took 18 of the next 20 shots to wrap up the second period. D.J. Jelitto (1) hammered in a lose puck in front to make it 4-2 8:21 into the second period. Mathieu Aubin (5) then got another puck in front that he hammered home to make it 4-3.

In the final seconds of the second period, Utah tied it as Brent Gwidt and Martin Lee fed Danick Paquette who hammered a slap shot off the post and in to tie the game at four with under three seconds left in the second.

Orlando got the lead back 5:22 into the third period as Mike Ulrich scored off of a rebound on a rush up ice.

After the Solar Bears made it 6-4 with an empty-netter with 16 seconds left, David Vallorani took the face-off up ice and made it 6-5 with 11 seconds left on his 11th goal of the year, but the Grizzlies wouldn't have time to tie after quickly getting the puck back into the Orlando zone.

Utah defenseman Martin Lee had a career-high four assists in the game for Utah.

The Grizzlies wrap up their series in Orlando Sunday at 11 a.m.

Utah returns home for four games in five nights Tuesday and Wednesday of next weekend with Wild $2 Specials of $2 Hot Dogs, $2 Fries, $2 Soft Drinks and $2 Draft Beers. Face-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. against Las Vegas.

Friday, January 10 is our next player poster giveaway against Stockton at 7 p.m.

Saturday, January 11 is Star Wars Night and the next post-game Skate with the Grizzlies. Skate Rental is $2. Face-off with Stockton is against at 7 p.m.

Ticket packages for the 2013-2014 season are still on sale and start at just $29. For more information, visit http://www.utahgrizzlies.com or call (801) 988-7825.

Check out the Utah Grizzlies Statistics



ECHL Stories from January 3, 2014


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