Game Story
Worcester, MA – Closing out a weekend packed full of non-stop hockey action, the Worcester Railers welcomed the Utah Grizzlies back to Worcester on Sunday, concluding a season series that started back on October 27 and 28.
Ryan Misiak put the Grizzlies up in the fifth minute of the first which made it’s way under the crossbar behind Railers Goaltender Mitch Gillam. Ryan MacKinnon tied it up in a rush towards the Grizzlies net, assisted by Jeff Kubiak and Barry Almeida. After the opening frame each team had a goal with Railers outshooting the Grizzlies 11-5.
Jake Marchment gave the Gizzlies their second lead of the afternoon with the puck bouncing off the pad of Mitch Gillam. Minutes later, Ben Masella scored on a slapshot from the blue line, tying the game up. Game was once again tied, this time at 2 a piece with Worcester outshooting Utah after 40.
Forward Tommy Kelley was stretchered off the ice in the opening minutes of the third period. Updates will be passed along on his status as they are released by the team.
Jeff Kubiak scored his fourteenth goal of the season on the breakaway in the third period, giving the Railers their second lead of the game. Woody Hudson scored his nineteenth of the season as Utah Grizzlies Goaltender Joel Rumpel erroneously passed the puck to him in front of the net.
The three stars of the game were Ryan MacKinnon (1 goal), Ben Masella (1 goal), and Jeff Kubiak (1 goal, 1 assist). Nailers are ahead by 3 points while the Railers have two games in hand.
Railers embark on a 3-game road trip next week, starting with a Wednesday matchup against the Wheeling Nailers. Puck drops at 7:05 PM.