BOISE, ID – The Idaho Steelheads defeated the Utah Grizzlies 4-2 in their preseason opener at Idaho Central Arena on Friday night. The teams will meet again tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. MT at Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls to finish their preseason slate.
Chris Dodero opened the scoring early in the game, finishing from the crease 5:13 into the first period to give Idaho a 1-0 lead. Utah answered back under two minutes later, with Mick Messner notching a shorthanded breakaway goal 6:52 into the period. On the same power play, Brendan Hoffman fed Danny Dzhaniyev for a one-time goal in the right circle, giving Idaho a 2-1 lead 7:40 into the opening frame.
In the second period, Dodero struck again, scoring between the dots for a power play goal 10:55 into the frame. Dzhaniyev registered the primary assist on the play to log his second point of the game, while Chris’ brother Charlie picked up the secondary assist.
In the third period, Utah’s Evan Friesen put home a loose puck in front of the crease to get the Grizzlies within one goal just 2:23 into the period. Once again, the Steelheads quickly responded, as Mason Nevers collected a loose puck of his own on the other end and fired it into the net 3:41 into the frame.
The Steelheads held strong for the rest of the third period and finished off the 4-2 victory.
Idaho’s Nolan Maier made 34 saves on 36 shots in the win, while Utah’s Dylan Wells saved 29 of 36 shots in the loss.
ICCU Three Stars
1) Chris Dodero (IDH, 2-0-2, +3, 2 shots)
2) Danny Dzhaniyev (IDH, 1-1-2, +1, 3 shots)
3) Nolan Maier (IDH, 34SV-36SH, W)
GAME NOTES
- Idaho went 2-for-3 on the power-play while Utah was 0-for-2.
- Utah outshot Idaho 36-33.
- Chris Dodero registered two goals in his Idaho preseason debut
Stay up to date with all things Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Watch all Steelheads home games on FloHockey and KTVB 24/7 (Channel 7.2) and listen on the Steelheads flagship station 95.3 FM KTIK “The Ticket”.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers