Grizzlies Fall 3-1 at Idaho in Series Opener

Boise, Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads got a power play goal from Will Merchant 16:16 into the third period for the game winner and Jake Kielly stopped 30 of 31 as they defeated the Utah Grizzlies 3-1 on a Wednesday night at Idaho Central Arena.  

Francesco Arcuri got Idaho on the board 7:04 into the first period. Steelheads led 1-0 after 1 period despite Utah having a 13 to 6 edge on the shot count. Neither team scored in the second period.  

Utah tied it up on a Brandon Cutler power play goal 6:04 into the third period. Cutler redirected a Kyle Mayhew shot. Mayhew is now second on the team with 27 assists. Brett Stapley also picked up his team leading 31^st assist of the campaign. Idaho got a power play late in the third period and Will Merchant scored 16:16 in for his 5^th goal of the season. Idaho’s Arcurl scored his second goal of the night on an empty net power pay goal 19:26 in to complete the scoring.  

Utah’s Will Cranley saved 31 of 33 in the loss. Idaho was 2 for 4 on the power play. Utah was 1 for 4. Idaho outshot Utah 34 to 31 in the contest.  

Idaho head coach Everett Sheen picked up his 166^th win as head coach, tying him with Neil Graham for third place in Steelheads history.  

The series continues on Friday night at Idaho Central Arena. Face-off is at 7:10 pm.  

3 stars  

1. Jake Kielly (Idaho) - 30 of 31 saves.  

2. Will Merchant (Idaho) - 1 goal.  

3. Francesco Arcuri (Idaho) - 2 goals.