Idaho wraps up preseason schedule with win over Utah

(McCall, ID) -- Matt McKnight triggered a third-period explosion for the Idaho Steelheads as, for the second straight night, the team netted three goals in the final frame to beat the Utah Grizzlies, 5-2, at the Manchester Ice and Events Centre in McCall, Idaho. McKnight's snapshot from just inside the far circle beat Tamio Stehrenberger with just over seven minutes left to play, snapping a 2-2 tie and putting the Steelheads in the driver's seat. Nick Sirota and Brendan Milnamow had assists on the eventual game-winner. John Swanson buried an empty-net goal with 1:40 to play that all but sealed the outcome, giving Idaho a 4-2 lead, and Adam Welch erased any doubt with another tally just 22 seconds later to extend the lead to three goals with just 1:18 left to play. Rejean Beauchemin started in net for Idaho and went the distance, stopping 18 of 20 shots. Idaho opens the regular season Friday night, October 16, at Qwest Arena in Boise against the Stockton Thunder at 7 PM. Opening Night is Project Filter Schedule Magnet giveaway night and the entire team will be signing autographs on the ice following the game. Tickets are available by calling the Qwest Arena box office at 208.331.TIXS.