The Utah Grizzlies defeated the Idaho Steelheads, 3-2, on Monday night at the Utah Olympic Oval in preseason action.
Anaheim prospect Kevin Boyle stopped 27-of-29 shots in the win and allowed just a five-on-three goal through the first 58 minutes.
“We definitely battled hard, competed, protected the puck well,” head coach and General Manager Tim Branham said. “I loved the effort. That’s exactly the way we’re going to play; the effort, the speed, put pucks to the net and push and grind."
Carlos Amestoy and Jon Puskar gave Utah a 2-0 lead with two goals 3:01 apart in the first 4:38 of the second period.
Brandon McNally blocked a shot as Utah held a 2-1 lead in the third period and took it from his own blue line to the net to give Utah an insurance goal with 7:59 gone by in the third period.
Billy Eiserman and Daniel Gentzler fought in the game for Utah.
Utah and Idaho wrap up the preseason Tuesday in Boise at 7 p.m. The game can be heard on the Grizzlies website and the Utah Grizzlies app.
The Grizzlies open the season Friday and Saturday at Maverik Center.