Steelheads Defeat Grizz 5-4
West Valley City, Utah – The Idaho Steelheads defeat the Utah Grizzlies 5-4 on a Friday night at Maverik Center. Cody Haiskanen had 4 assists to lead Idaho while Utah was led by Nathan Burke, who had 1 goal and 1 assist. Both teams go to 2-1 on the season.
Idaho’s Jack Becker scored 5:36 into the contest to start the scoring. About 5 minutes later Mark Rassell made it a 2-0 game 10:19 in. Patrick Kudla and Cody Haiskanen each got assists on both of Idaho’s first period goals. Jordan Martel scored on a one-timer from the left circle 12:19 in. Idaho led 2-1 after 1 period. Idaho outshot Utah 15 to 9 in the first period.
Utah tied the game on their first power play of the night as Kyle Mayhew scored from the slot 6:19 in the middle frame. Utah went 1 for 2 on the power play. Idaho was 0 for 1. The Steelheads took a 3-2 lead after Zane Franklin scored on a delayed penalty 15:31 in. 27 seconds later Keaton Mastrodonato scored on a centering pass from Colton Kehler to give Idaho a 4-2 lead. Late in the second period Josh Wesley scored his first in a Utah uniform to cut into the Idaho lead with 1:58 remaining. Steelheads led 4-3 after 2 periods.
AJ White extended the Idaho lead 31 seconds into the third period to make it a 5-3 game. Nathan Burke scored for Utah 16:11 in. Kyle Betts picked up his 3rd assist of the night. Utah had a power play late in regulation as Idaho’s Seamus Donohue got called for interference 16:37 in. The Steelheads killed the penalty and held on for the one goal win.
Utah’s Garrett Metcalf saved 32 of 37 in the loss. Idaho’s Dylan Wells goes to 2-0 on the season as he saved 24 of 28.
The series finale is on Saturday night at Maverik Center. Face-off is at 7:10 pm. Tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000.
3 stars
- Keaton Mastrodonato (Idaho) – 1 goal, 1 assist.
- Cody Haiskanen (Idaho) – 4 assists, +2.
- Jack Becker (Idaho) – 1 goal, +2.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers