Utah Grizzlies Celebrate a Memorable Weekend with Pooch On The Pond and Veterans Day Tribute
The Utah Grizzlies put on a show-stopping display of hockey and community engagement over the weekend as they hosted the Wichita Thunder. The team orchestrated two special events, Pooch On The Pond and a tribute to Veterans Day, creating an atmosphere that celebrated both the sport and those who have served their country.
Friday night’s Pooch On The Pond event was a howling success, with Now 97.9 and 103.1 hosting a lively pooch parade during the second intermission. Fans had the chance to see a parade of adorable and well-dressed dogs, adding an extra touch of excitement to the game. But it wasn’t just the furry friends who stole the show; the Grizzlies took to the ice wearing striking Pride jerseys that showcased their commitment to inclusivity and acceptance. After the game, the jerseys were auctioned off, allowing fans to take a piece of the event home while supporting a worthy cause.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. The Thunder started strong, taking advantage of a power play opportunity with Brayden Watts scoring the opening goal. Yet the Grizzlies quickly fought back, with Nathan Burke leveling the score just before the end of the first period. In the second period, Jay Dickman of the Thunder wasted no time and scored, putting his team in the lead once again. Wichita continued their dominance with two more goals from Peter Bates, leaving the Grizzlies trailing 4-1.
However, the Grizzlies were not willing to concede defeat. Tyler Penner injected some energy into the team when he scored his first goal of the season towards the end of the second period. The third period proved to be the turning point, as the Grizzlies capitalized on a power play, with Jordan Martel finding the back of the net and reducing the deficit. Brandon Cutler then brought the game to an exhilarating climax, scoring the game-winning goal with assists from Martel and Dakota Raabe. The Thunder’s attempt to turn their fortunes around by pulling their goaltender failed, and the Grizzlies emerged victorious.
On Saturday, the Grizzlies took a moment to express their gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in the military during their Veterans Day tribute. The team honored the veterans for their sacrifices in a special ceremony before the game. Dylan Fitze, who had a standout performance throughout the weekend, opened the scoring with a power play goal in the first period. He continued to shine in the second period, adding another goal to his tally. The Thunder managed to get on the scoreboard with a goal from Bates, but that was the extent of their offensive output. The Grizzlies maintained control of the game, with Brett Stapley scoring a power play goal to extend the lead. Jared Power sealed the victory with a goal late in the second period, further solidifying the Grizzlies’ dominance on the night.
Looking ahead, the Utah Grizzlies have little time to rest as they prepare to face the Heartlanders in Iowa on Wednesday, November 15th. The early morning matchup promises a high-intensity and fast-paced game as both teams fight for victory.
Overall, the weekend provided a memorable experience for fans of the Utah Grizzlies. From the adorable pooch parade to the powerful tribute to veterans, the team showed their commitment to both the sport and the community. As the Grizzlies continue their season, fans can expect more thrilling moments and displays of skill as the team strives to bring home victory after victory.
