Stapley Shines in Utah's 3-2 Victory

Friday, December 29th

Stapley Shines in Utah’s 3-2 Victory

West Valley City, Utah – Brett Stapley had 2 goals and 1 assist to lead the Utah Grizzlies to a 3-2 victory over the Tulsa Oilers in front of a season high crowd of 7,681 at Maverik Center.

Neither team scored in the first period as Utah outshot Tulsa 8 to 7. Brett Stapley got the Grizzlies on the board first 14:04 into the second frame with Bryan Yoon and Cole Gallant getting the assists. Tulsa answered with a power play goal 17:14 in as Yaroslav Yevdokimov redirected a shot. The score was tied 1-1 after 2 periods.

Tulsa’s Alec Butcher scored a 4 on 4 goal from the left wing 1:27 into the third. Before the following face-off Tulsa’s Mike McKee got an unsportsmanlike minor penalty as he tripped Cole Gallant. That gave Utah a 4 on 3 power play and Brandon Cutler took advantage of it as he scored on a wicked one-timer from the right side 2:36 in. Stapley’s second goal of the night turned out to be the game winner 12:05 in. Utah held on for the win as their record goes to 9-6 at home this season.

Stapley led all skaters with 7 shots on goal. Kyle Mayhew had 4 shots and 1 assist for the Grizzlies. Utah goaltender Will Cranley saved 25 of 27 in his Maverik Center debut as he picked up his first win for Utah and second overall as a pro. Tulsa goaltender Julian Junca saved 23 of 26.

The Grizzlies have gotten great support from their fans as 22,072 has been the combined attendance at Maverik Center over their last 3 home games.

The series continues on Saturday night at Maverik Center. Face-off is at 7:10 pm and tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000.

3 stars