Grizzlies Fall 5-1 in Series Opener

Mavericks Defeat Grizzlies 5-1 in Series Opener 

West Valley City, Utah – The Utah Grizzlies got a goal from Alex Beaucage 56 second into the contest, but the Kansas City Mavericks responded with 5 unanswered goals as they won 5-1 on a Wednesday night at Maverik Center. With the victory the Mavericks broke a league record for road wins in a single season with 27. 

Beaucage got the Grizzlies on the board as he scored from the right win on a diagonal pass from Cole Gallant as Utah took a 1-0 lead 56 seconds in. It’s the first time at home Utah has lost in regulation when scoring first all season as they are now 17-1-1. KC tied it up on a power play goal as Cade Borchardt got his 23^rd of the season 16:11 in. The score was tied 1-1 after 1 frame with both teams taking 9 shots. 

The Mavericks took a 2-1 lead as Jacob Hayhurst scored unassisted 10:47 into the second period. KC extended their lead as Patrick Curry scored his 36^th of the campaign 19:55 into the frame. Mavericks led 3-1 after 2 periods. 

Jakob Brahaney scored his first professional goal 6:06 into the third period to extend the KC lead. Mavericks forward Nolan Walker added an empty netter 16:59 in to complete the scoring. 

Mavericks goaltender Cale Morris saved 25 of 26 as his record goes to 18-7-2 on the season. Utah’s Will Cranley stopped 30 of 34 in the loss. KC was 1 for 3 on the power play. Utah was 0 for 1. 

The series continues on Friday night at 7:10 pm. Tickets are available at utahgrizzlies.com or by calling (801) 988-8000. 

3 stars 

1. Jacob Hayhurst (KC) – 1 goal, 1 assist, +2, 6 shots. 
2. Cade Borchardt (KC) – 1 goal, 1 assist, +1, 4 shots. 
3. Jakob Brahaney (KC) – First pro goal, +2, 3 shots.