WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – The Idaho Steelheads (29-15-3) couldn’t find the right bounces in a 4-1 loss to the Utah Grizzlies (28-13-5) on Wednesday night from Maverik Center.
The Grizzlies grabbed the game’s opening tally early in the first period at 2:09 on a rebound stashed in by forward Julien Nantel to take the 1-0 lead. The Steelheads and Grizzlies combined for five power plays in the first period, but it was an even-strength rebound by Steelheads forward Kyle Schempp at 16:45 set up by a wrap-around attempt by forward Tanner Froese that leveled the scoreline, 1-1.
In the second period, the Grizzlies edged ahead with the lone tally of the frame at 13:41 on a power play goal by Nantel, pushing back ahead at 2-1. The Grizzlies added two more goals in the third period starting at 2:21 from forward Mike Economos followed by the final insurance goal at 17:51 on the power play from forward Ryan Walters, ensuring the 4-1 scoreline.
Grizzlies goaltender Kevin Carr (15-5-2) halted 19 of 20 shots in the win, while Steelheads netminder Tomas Sholl (15-8-0) stops 24 of 28 shots in the loss.
The Steelheads and Grizzlies continue their weekend series on Friday, Feb. 8 at 7:05 p.m. from Maverik Center. Coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. on 1350AM KTIK and ECHL TV.
The Steelheads return to CenturyLink Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 7:10 p.m. to open a three-game weekend against the Rapid City Rush. 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.