Grizzlies Deliver Exciting 5-4 Win at Maverik Center

Grizzlies Deliver Exciting 5-4 Win at Maverik Center

West Valley City, Utah – Utah Grizzlies forward Luke Manning scored his first professional goal 13:44 into the third period to lead to a 5-4 victory over the Idaho Steelheads on Friday night at Maverik Center.

The Grizzlies got on the board first as Brett Stapley scored his 23^rd of the season 3:44 in. Tyler Penner extended Utah’s lead as he scored on a rebound from a Dylan Fitze shot 4:55 in. Idaho’s Francesco Arcuri scored on a breakaway 5:27 in. The Steelheads tied it up 2-2 on a Will Merchant power play goal 14:24 in. The score was deadlocked 2-2 after 20 minutes of play.

Mick Messner scored a power play goal 5:49 into the second period to give the Grizz a 3-2 lead. Early in the third period Cole Gallant extended Utah’s lead as he scored his 12^th of the year 58 seconds in. Idaho scored 2 unanswered goals to tie the game as Wade Murphy fired a one-timer from the left wing 2:46 in and Arcuri scored his second goal of the night on a power play 8:27 in.

Idaho’s Willie Knierim got a Cross-Checking minor penalty 12:22 into the third period. Manning’s game winner was his first pro goal as he got a rebound from a Mick Messner shot. Both Manning and Messner ended the night with 1 goal and 1 assist. Idaho outshot Utah 37 to 25 in the contest. Steelheads forward Wade Murphy had 1 goal and 2 assists.

Both teams went 2 for 5 on the power play. Utah’s Dante Giannuzzi got the win in net as he stopped 33 of 37. Idaho’s Jake Kielly stopped 20 of 25.

For the Grizzlies forward Blake Wells and defenseman Luc Salem each made their professional debut. 

The rubber match of the three-game series is on Saturday night at 7:10 pm. Tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000.

Games This Homestand

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – Idaho 6 Utah 2 – Aaron Aragon and Kyle Mayhew each scored a goal for Utah. Idaho was led by Jake Murray, who had 1 goal and 2 assists. Jordan Kawaguchi and Ty Pelton-Byce each had 1 goal and 1 assist. Utah was 0 for 2 on the power play. The Grizz did not commit any penalties in the game. Utah outshot Idaho 34 to 23.

Friday, March 29, 2024 – Idaho 4 Utah 5 – Luke Manning and Mick Messner each had 1 goal and 1 assist. Adam Berg had 2 third period assists.

Saturday, March 30, 2024 – Idaho at Utah. 7:10 pm. Maverik Center.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 – Kansas City at Utah. 7:10 pm. Maverik Center. Smith’s Family Night.

Friday, April 5, 2024 – Kansas City at Utah. 7:10 pm. Maverik Center. AFCU Friday.

Saturday, April 6, 2024 – Kansas City at Utah. 7:10 pm. Maverik Center. Fan Appreciation Night presented by Les Schwab.

Tickets for Grizzlies home games are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000. 

All Times Mountain. 

3 stars

1.       Luke Manning (Utah) – 1 goal, 1 assist. First pro goal.

2.       Mick Messner (Utah) – 1 goal, 1 assist.

3.       Francesco Arcuri (Idaho) – 2 goals, 3 shots.