ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Slow Start Dooms Grizzlies in Alaska

Published on December 21, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


Anchorage, Alaska - The Alaska Aces scored three goals in the first 3:07 of the game to make it 3-0 and went on to beat Utah 5-1 Friday at Sullivan Arena.

After falling behind 3-0, Ben Meisner replaced goaltender Nick Niedert as the Grizzlies needed a spark on a scheduled night off for their starting goaltender. Utah outshot the Aces 35-20 after the horrific start to the contest.

Utah made it 3-1 11:05 into the second period as Patrick O'Keefe blasted a shot through traffic on a delayed penalty after Kris Hogg was cross-checked in front of the net as his line of Vinny Scarsella and Michael Pelech dominated in the Alaska zone.

12 seconds after Utah made it 3-1, they took a penalty that led to another fantastic Grizzlies scoring chance. Michael Pelech chased a puck back into the Alaska zone and fed Brent Gwidt in front of a wide open net as Alaska goaltender Olivier Roy vacated the crease. Roy came flying in at the last second and Gwidt clanged the inside of the post as Utah just missed a 3-2 game. The Aces then immediately came back up ice and made it 4-2 as Evan Trupp hammered in a puck that Utah alleged was scored illegally from the crease.

Alaska scored four-on-four in the third period to make it 5-1.

In relief, Meisner stopped 18 of 20 shots for the Grizzlies as Utah competed throughout but was repeatedly denied by Roy who stopped 36 of 37.

Utah completes their series with Alaska Saturday at 9:15 p.m. from Sullivan Arena.

The Grizzlies return to Maverik Center Saturday, December 28 and Tuesday, December 31 at 6 p.m. December 28 is a post-game skate with the Grizzlies. For New Year's Eve, fans can take advantage of $2 Hot Dogs, $2 Fries, $2 Soft Drinks and $2 Draft Beers.

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

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ECHL Stories from December 21, 2013


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