BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads (2-2-1) cut the lead in half in the second period but slipped in a 2-1 loss to the Utah Grizzlies (3-0-1) on Saturday night at CenturyLink Arena.
The Grizzlies jumped out to an early 1-0 at 8:25 on a shot from forward Caleb Herbert that lifted over the netminder. A second goal came at 10:51 on the first power play for the Grizzlies thanks to a deflection from forward Josh Winquist on a shot from defenseman Kevin Davis, doubling the lead to 2-0.
Both sides began to pick up physical play with two fights in the second period. The first came between Steelheads defenseman Jeff King and Grizzlies forward at 4:58, and the second followed at 8:28 between Steelheads defenseman Keegan Kanzig and Grizzlies defenseman Teigan Zahn. Near the end of the frame at 18:01, Steelheads forward Alex Dahl fed forward Justin Parizek on a 2-on-1 shorthanded break for a shot outside the right circle that cut down the lead to 2-1.
The third period slowed in pace until the final minutes, during which the Steelheads pressed for the tying goal. However, despite pulling the goaltender, they came just short in a 2-1 loss to the Grizzlies. Utah netminder Kevin Carr (1-0-0) stopped 27 of 28 shots in the win, while Steelheads goaltender Philippe Desrosiers (1-1-1) saved 28 of 30 shots in the loss.
The Steelheads begin a six-game road trip on Friday, Oct. 26 at 7:05 p.m. against the Grizzlies from Maverik Center. Coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. on 1350-AM KTIK and ECHL TV.
The Steelheads return to CenturyLink Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7:10 p.m. against the Tulsa Oilers. Single-game tickets and season ticket packages are on sale, with full-season packages starting as low as $300 per seat. Contact the Idaho Steelheads at 208-383-0080 for more information or log on to idahosteelheads.com.
CENTURYLINK THREE STARS OF THE GAME:1. Caleb Herbert (UTA) = GTG2. Justin Parizek (IDH) = SHG3. Kevin Carr (UTA) = W, 27-28 SV
COORS LIGHT OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME:Justin Parizek - Scored the lone goal for Idaho & extended SH goal streak to three games
PEPSI PLAYER OF THE GAME:Justin Parizek - Lone goal for the Steelheads
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