BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Steelheads (26-16-7) posted their fourth shutout of the season in a 4-0 victory over the Utah Grizzlies (27-14-7) on Friday night at CenturyLink Arena in front of 5,219 fans, the 11th sellout of the season and fifth-consecutive sellout. With the win, goaltender Tomas Sholl becomes the Steelheads all-time leader in shutouts with his 11th of his career, surpassing Steve Silverthorn (’04-’07) on the all-time list.
After a scoreless and even first period, the Steelheads were sparked while on the penalty kill to open a scoring in the second frame. At 6:17, Steelheads captain A.J. White cut off an up-ice pass in the offensive zone and walked in for a backhanded shot, netting his second shorthanded goal of his career and giving the Steelheads a 1-0 lead. The Steelheads struck less than four minutes later at 10:12 when forward Kyle Schempp slid a pass through the slot and found a waiting Anthony Nellis off the left post for the touch-in and the 2-0 advantage.
Momentum continued early in the third period, and this time forward Colby McAuley converted on a centering pass banked from behind the net by forward Mitch Moroz at 2:38, tripling the lead to 3-0. The power play added one more goal for good measure at 17:14 on a wrist shot by defenseman Brady Norrish from above the left circle, settling the final score at 4-0.
Sholl (20-7-5) earned his fourth shutout win of the season in a 24-save effort for the victory, while Grizzlies netminder Martin Ouellette (17-8-2) denied 31 of 35 shots in the loss.
The Steelheads and Grizzlies conclude their weekend set on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:10 p.m. from CenturyLink Arena. Tickets are available by calling 208-331-TIXS(8497) or going to idahosteelheads.com. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on 1350 KTIK-AM “The Ticket” as well as 7:00 p.m. on Sparklight Ch. 72 & ECHL.tv.
The Hockey Starter Pack provides the benefits of the ultimate fan on the time you want! Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 to inquire about getting your pack as well as planning your next outing with single-game tickets, flex plans and season tickets. Stay connected to the Steelheads on idahosteelheads.com or by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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