ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Steelheads hang on for hard-fought 5-4 win over Grizzlies

Published on February 19, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, Idaho - A flurry of first period goals set the pace for the Idaho Steelheads 5-4 President's Day victory over the Utah Grizzlies at the E-Center. The action-packed matinee was headlined by J. B. Bittner and Lance Galbraith who each scored three-points.

At 6:54 and on the 6th shot of the game, Jeremy Yablonski notched the game's first marker with a blast from the slot through traffic. But, Utah answered back just 31-seconds later. Danny Stewart, moving full throttle down center ice, was pushed off the puck by Idaho's Kory Scoran. ECHL All-Star Andy Sertich was well-positioned to gather it and blasted a shot that beat goalie Steve Silverthorn. Deadlocked at one, Idaho gained the lead again when veteran Galbraith collected a centering pass from Blake Forsyth and banked a backhander off the post. Scott Burt scored Idaho's third tally after skating down the right wing side and drilling one that beat Grizzlies' netminder Rob McVicar, stick side. Bittner potted a power play goal on a shot from the point to end the first period scoring.

Bittner opened the second frame the same way he ended the first, with a power play goal coming on a feed from All-Star Derek Nesbitt at 2:08, which appeared to give Idaho a comfortable 5-1, lead. However, Utah made a game of it. After the Grizzlies won a face off in the Steelheads' end, winger Bill Kinkel scored the Grizzlies' second of the game, his second of the season, on a redirect at 17:41.

At the 2:43 mark of the third, D.J. Jelitto scored his tenth of the season on an Idaho turnover in front of the net. Utah continued to pressure and closed the gap to one as Stewart rolled one past Silverthorn, five-hole, on a breakaway. Utah charged hard to the end, after pulling McVicar and adding the extra attacker, but Idaho hung on for the win.

Silverthorn's 31 saves earns him his 25th win of the year.

Steelheads return home to host the Grizzlies on Friday and Saturday and Qwest Arena.

Tickets for the games may be purchased exclusively at the Qwest Arena Box Office, by phone 208.331.TIXS (8497) or online at using the new 'Print at Home' feature. A variety of Steelheads packages are also available, including Season Tickets, Flex Plans, Suite Rentals, Group Outings, and a Perfect-10 Season Mini, by calling 208.383.0080.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics

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ECHL Stories from February 19, 2007


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