Willie Knierim Scores 86 Seconds Into Overtime, Giving Idaho 3-2 Series Lead
WEST VALLEY CITY, UT – The Idaho Steelheads collected their third straight overtime win, this time by a final score of 3-2 over the Utah Grizzlies Saturday night in front of 4,769 fans at the Maverick Center. With a 3-2 series lead, the Steelheads return to the Idaho Central Arena Monday night for Game Six.
Utah grabbed a 1-0 lead three minutes into the game as Nolan Ritchie fired a shot from the top of the left circle after a faceoff win. Seventeen seconds later, Idaho headed on the power-play, and 10 seconds into the man advantage Justin Ducharme fired a one-time shot from the right circle that found the back of the net on a feed from Jordan Kawaguchi and Dawson Barteaux. Photos were 15-9 after the first period.
Ryan Dmowski gave Idaho their first lead of the night, making it 2-1 at 9:19 of the second period with a shot from the right circle on a diagonal feed from Patrick Kudla. On a four-on-three-man advantage, Tarun Fizer tied the game at 2-2 with just 37 seconds left in the second period. Shots were 10-6 Idaho in the stanza.
The third period featured no goals as the Steelheads outshot the Grizzlies 15-9, but for the third straight time this week, the game headed to overtime.
Just 1:26 into the overtime session, Owen Headrick fired a shot from the right point that was redirected home by an obvious high stick at the top of the crease by the 6’4 forward Willie Knierim handing Idaho the 3-2 overtime win. The redirection appeared to be hit with a high stick. The Grizzlies stayed on the bench and argued their case. Meanwhile, the Steelheads suspiciously and quickly ran into their dressing room. As the Grizz pleaded their case, pointing at the jumbotron above the ice. Ultimately their pleas fell as the call stood.
Adam Scheel made 29 saves on 31 shots in the victory, while Trent Miner turned aside 33 of the 36 shots he faced in the loss.
THREE STARS
- Willie Knierim (IDH)
- Justin Ducharme (IDH)
- Adam Scheel (IDH)
GAME NOTES
- Idaho and Utah both finished 1-for-3 on the power play.
- Idaho outshot Utah 36-31.
- Demetrios Koumontzis (DNP), Jack Becker (DNP), Zach Walker (DNP), and Matt Register (INJ) did not play for Idaho.
- Justin Ducharme and Ryan Dmowski each tallied a goal and an assist.
- Owen Headrick, Patrick Kudla, Dawson Barteaux, and Jordan Kawaguchi each tallied an assist.
- Dmowski led all skaters with five shots on net.
REMAINING SCHEDULE
Game 6 – at Idaho Monday, May 1 at 7:10 p.m. (MT)
Game 7 – at Idaho Tuesday, May 2 at 7:10 p.m. (MT) *If Necessary*
The road team has won each of the first five games of the series. Game 6 is on Monday night at 7:10 pm MDT as Utah is looking to extend the series to a seventh and deciding game.
