Steelheads Defeat Grizz 3-2 in a Nail-biter

Steelheads Defeat Grizzlies in 3-2 Nailbiter 

Boise, Idaho – The Utah Grizzlies fell 3-2 to the Idaho Steelheads in front of a crowd of 5,219 at Idaho Central Arena on Friday night. Utah was led by Jacob Semik, who had 1 goal and 1 assist as well as Dante Giannuzzi who saved 38 of 41. Idaho’s Patrick Kudla had 1 goal and 2 assists in the win as the Steelheads record goes to 20-5-0-1 on the season. 

Utah scored first as Jacob Semik found the back of the net 18:54 into the contest. Brett Stapley got his 15^th assist of the season and Cole Gallant got his 10^th. Utah led 1-0 after 1 frame. 

Idaho tied the game as Patrick Kudla scored from the right wing 11:26 into the second period. Utah retook the lead as J.C. Campagna scored from the left point 17:22 in. The Grizz led 2-1 after 40 minutes of play. 

The Steelheads tied the game as Colton Kehler scored 4:27 into the third. Later in the period Wade Murphy scored what turned out to be the game winner 13:39 in with a power play goal. Patrick Kudla contributed to all 3 of Idaho’s goals. Idaho outshot Utah 41 to 24. Utah was 0 for 4 on the power play and Idaho was 1 for 2. 

Idaho goaltender Jared Moe stopped 22 of 24 in the win as his record goes to 5-2 on the season. 

The Grizzlies will host Idaho in the final game before the Christmas break on Saturday night at 7:10 pm. Tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000. 

3 stars

1. Patrick Kudla (Idaho) – 1 goal, 2 assists. 
2. Wade Murphy (Idaho) – 1 goal, 1 assist. 
3. Romain Rodzinski (Idaho) – 2 assists, +1, 3 shots.