Category Archives: Pro
Ducks prospect Sarault continues to develop with Grizzlies
May 4th, 2016Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Anaheim Ducks back in 2013 after a productive junior career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Charles Sarault isn’t giving up on his dream to play in the NHL. And if that includes a stint with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies, the 24-year-old from Ottawa, Ont., is happy…
Grizzlies rookie d-man Binkley enjoying ECHL life in Utah
March 12th, 2016When Jason Binkley’s ECHL rights were released last summer by the South Carolina Stingrays, he wondered what uniform he would wear for the 2015-16 season. Then his phone rang. “When I became available, (Utah Grizzlies coach-GM) Tim Branham gave me a call and we talked for two hours straight,” remembered Binkley. “I really liked what…
Lazo shows scoring touch for surging Eagles
March 11th, 2016In his first nine games, he literally has been “Johnny on the Spot.” For the Colorado Eagles, signing Johnny Lazo in mid-January has been a great remedy for the team’s scoring woes this season as the 27-year-old Winnipeg native recorded nine goals in nine games, to go along with three assists for a 12-point start….
Avs’ Duchene has but one dream – the Stanley Cup
March 10th, 2016Let’s face it: Colorado Avalanche cowboy Matt Duchene would have been the hands-down winner of the NHL Breakaway Challenge if the 2016 NHL All-Star event was based on skill. In describing Duchene’s one-handed, between-the-legs shot past New Jersey goalie Cory Schneider – all while donning at cowboy hat at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Jan. 30…
Eagles proving to be ‘a great fit’ for ECHL vet Boe
February 9th, 2016An injury suffered last season started Channing Boe’s ECHL season with the Colorado Eagles later than normal this year, but he’s now 100 percent and ready to help the Eagles make a second-half run to the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Boe, a 29-year-old forward from Bemidji, Minn., skated the past two seasons with the Utah Grizzlies…
Second-year pro Higby embracing role with Grizzlies
January 29th, 2016Erik Higby joined the Utah Grizzlies this season not knowing how he would fit in with the ECHL franchise. Those uncertainties were snuffed out rather quickly and the second-year pro out of New Braunfels, Tex., is reaping the rewards playing for the Grizzlies and “the unreal facilities” at the Maverik Center. “I think the season…
Norwegian talent Martinsen finding niche in Avalanche lineup
January 8th, 2016Colorado Avalanche rookie Andreas Martinsen and Mats Zuccarello of the New York Rangers are the NHL’s only players from Norway and on Dec. 2 in New York, the Scandanavian country south of Sweden was gearing up to watch them share the ice at Madison Square Garden. Avalanche coach Patrick Roy, however, squashed the Norwegian event…
Veteran Eagles captain Daavettila has team on his back
January 5th, 2016Admittedly, Trent Daavettila said the Colorado Eagles got off to a “frustrating” start in the ECHL this season. As the Eagles’ captain, Daavettila shoulders much of the blame and pressure for the team’s offensive woes. “We’re outshooting teams and our special teams have been great, but 5-on-5, it just hasn’t been there,” Daavettila said. “For…
Grizzlies rookie Misiak loving atmosphere on, off the ice
December 31st, 2015Save for one season in the United States Hockey League, Ryan Misiak has spent his entire career in the Midwest or Eastern United States. That all changed in 2015-16 as Misiak signed with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies and after being in West Valley City since the start of the season, it’s a decision Misiak is…
Ex-Thunderbirds blueliners Slavin, Olofsson get first taste of NHL
December 18th, 2015From carpooling together as Colorado Thunderbirds and joking about sending clearing attempts into rink ceilings to making their NHL debuts one day apart last month, it’s been quite a ride so far for Gustav Olofsson and Jaccob Slavin. The defensemen, who are such close friends that Olofsson was a groomsman in Slavin’s wedding last summer,…