Utah Grizzlies (1995-2005)
Encyclopedia
This is about the defunct IHL/AHL team that folded in 2005. For the current ECHL team, see Utah Grizzlies
.
For information about the Minor league baseball team known as the Denver Grizzlies , see Denver Grizzlies (baseball).
The Utah Grizzlies were an ice hockey
team in the International Hockey League and American Hockey League
. They played in Salt Lake City, Utah
, USA at the E Center
.
shortly after the NHL's Quebec Nordiques
announced their relocation to become the Colorado Avalanche
, was admitted to the AHL
when the IHL folded in 2001. They played their home games in the Delta Center (now known as EnergySolutions Arena
) until the E Center
was built a few seasons after their arrival in Salt Lake.
While in Denver, the Grizzlies won the 1994–95 Turner Cup, the official Championship of the International Hockey League. After relocating to Salt Lake City, the Utah Grizzlies once again marched to victory in the IHL playoffs. Utah swept the Orlando Solar Bears 4 games to 0 to win the 1995–96 Turner Cup. The fourth (and final) game of the series was played in the Delta Center; 17,381 fans attended, which set a national record for largest attendance at a minor league hockey game.
The franchise was granted a voluntary suspension for the 2005–06 season while the owner found a buyer for the AHL franchise. That buyer arrived in May 2006, as the owner of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers
, Dan Gilbert, purchased the franchise to replace the departing Cleveland Barons
. On January 25, 2007 it was announced at a press conference that the new Cleveland team will be called the Lake Erie Monsters
. The Lake Erie Monsters took the ice for the 2007–08 AHL season
.
The franchise was replaced by:
The franchise is now known as:
Utah Grizzlies
The Utah Grizzlies are a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL. They play out of West Valley City, Utah, United States, with their home games at the Maverik Center.- Franchise history :...
.
For information about the Minor league baseball team known as the Denver Grizzlies , see Denver Grizzlies (baseball).
The Utah Grizzlies were an ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
team in the International Hockey League and American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
. They played in Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. The name of the city is often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC. With a population of 186,440 as of the 2010 Census, the city lies in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, which has a total population of 1,124,197...
, USA at the E Center
E Center
The Maverik Center, originally known as the E Center, is a 10,100 seat multi-purpose arena located in West Valley City, Utah, United States. Construction on the arena started in 1996 and was completed in time to hold its first event on September 22, 1997...
.
History
The Utah Grizzles, which moved to Utah following their only season in Denver, ColoradoDenver, Colorado
The City and County of Denver is the capital and the most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Denver is a consolidated city-county, located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains...
shortly after the NHL's Quebec Nordiques
Quebec Nordiques
The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...
announced their relocation to become the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
, was admitted to the AHL
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
when the IHL folded in 2001. They played their home games in the Delta Center (now known as EnergySolutions Arena
EnergySolutions Arena
EnergySolutions Arena is an indoor arena, in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States, owned by Jazz Basketball Investors, Inc., the estate of Larry H. Miller...
) until the E Center
E Center
The Maverik Center, originally known as the E Center, is a 10,100 seat multi-purpose arena located in West Valley City, Utah, United States. Construction on the arena started in 1996 and was completed in time to hold its first event on September 22, 1997...
was built a few seasons after their arrival in Salt Lake.
While in Denver, the Grizzlies won the 1994–95 Turner Cup, the official Championship of the International Hockey League. After relocating to Salt Lake City, the Utah Grizzlies once again marched to victory in the IHL playoffs. Utah swept the Orlando Solar Bears 4 games to 0 to win the 1995–96 Turner Cup. The fourth (and final) game of the series was played in the Delta Center; 17,381 fans attended, which set a national record for largest attendance at a minor league hockey game.
The franchise was granted a voluntary suspension for the 2005–06 season while the owner found a buyer for the AHL franchise. That buyer arrived in May 2006, as the owner of the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
, Dan Gilbert, purchased the franchise to replace the departing Cleveland Barons
Cleveland Barons (2001-2006)
The Cleveland Barons was a professional hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Cleveland, Ohio, USA at the Gund Arena between 2001 and 2006....
. On January 25, 2007 it was announced at a press conference that the new Cleveland team will be called the Lake Erie Monsters
Lake Erie Monsters
The Lake Erie Monsters are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They began play in the 2007–08 AHL season at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio...
. The Lake Erie Monsters took the ice for the 2007–08 AHL season
2007–08 AHL season
The 2007–08 AHL season is the 72nd season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Chicago Wolves won their second Calder Cup, defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Calder Cup Final.-Team changes:...
.
Franchise and area facts
- Salt Lake Golden EaglesSalt Lake Golden EaglesThe Salt Lake Golden Eagles were a minor professional hockey team based in Salt Lake City, Utah from 1969 to 1994.They played in the Western Hockey League from 1969 to 1974, the Central Hockey League from 1974 to 1984 and the International Hockey League from 1984 to 1994...
of the WHL (1969–1974) - Salt Lake Golden EaglesSalt Lake Golden EaglesThe Salt Lake Golden Eagles were a minor professional hockey team based in Salt Lake City, Utah from 1969 to 1994.They played in the Western Hockey League from 1969 to 1974, the Central Hockey League from 1974 to 1984 and the International Hockey League from 1984 to 1994...
of the CHL (1974–1984) - Salt Lake Golden EaglesSalt Lake Golden EaglesThe Salt Lake Golden Eagles were a minor professional hockey team based in Salt Lake City, Utah from 1969 to 1994.They played in the Western Hockey League from 1969 to 1974, the Central Hockey League from 1974 to 1984 and the International Hockey League from 1984 to 1994...
of the IHL (1984–1994)
The franchise was replaced by:
- Utah GrizzliesUtah GrizzliesThe Utah Grizzlies are a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL. They play out of West Valley City, Utah, United States, with their home games at the Maverik Center.- Franchise history :...
of the ECHLECHLThe ECHL is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Princeton, New Jersey with teams scattered across the United States...
(2005–present)
The franchise is now known as:
- Lake Erie MonstersLake Erie MonstersThe Lake Erie Monsters are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They began play in the 2007–08 AHL season at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio...
(2007–present)
Season-by-season results
- Denver Grizzlies 1994–1995 (International Hockey League)
- Utah Grizzlies 1995–2001 (International Hockey League)
- Utah Grizzlies 2001–2005 (American Hockey League)
Regular season
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... | Games | Won | Lost | Tied | OTL | SOL | Points | Goals for | Goals against | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–95 | 81 | 57 | 18 | — | 6 | — | 120 | 339 | 235 | 1st, Southwest |
| 1995–96 | 82 | 49 | 29 | — | 4 | — | 102 | 291 | 232 | 2nd, Southwest |
| 1996–97 | 82 | 43 | 33 | — | 6 | — | 92 | 259 | 254 | 3rd, Southwest |
| 1997–98 | 82 | 47 | 27 | — | 8 | — | 102 | 276 | 234 | 3rd, Southwest |
| 1998–99 | 82 | 39 | 34 | — | 9 | — | 87 | 244 | 254 | 3rd, Southwest |
| 1999–00 | 82 | 45 | 25 | — | 12 | — | 102 | 265 | 220 | 2nd, West |
| 2000–01 | 82 | 38 | 36 | — | 8 | — | 84 | 208 | 220 | 4th, West |
| 2001–02 2001–02 AHL season The 2001–02 AHL season was the 66th season of the American Hockey League. It was the season of the biggest growth in the AHL's history, as it accepted eight new teams. The demise of the International Hockey League brought six teams transferring from the defunct league, in addition to two expansion... |
80 | 40 | 29 | 6 | 5 | — | 91 | 240 | 225 | 3rd, West |
| 2002–03 2002–03 AHL season The 2002–03 AHL season was the 67th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 37 | 34 | 4 | 5 | — | 83 | 227 | 243 | 5th, West |
| 2003–04 2003–04 AHL season The 2003–04 AHL season was the 68th season of the American Hockey League. The league introduces the Willie Marshall Award in honour the career points leader in the AHL, and awards it to the annual top goal scorer.... |
80 | 27 | 42 | 6 | 5 | — | 65 | 162 | 230 | 7th, West |
| 2004–05 2004–05 AHL season The 2004–05 AHL season was the 69th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 23 | 50 | 5 | 2 | — | 53 | 156 | 265 | 7th, West |
Playoffs
| Season | Prelim | 1st round | 2nd round | 3rd round | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–95 | — | W, 3-0, MIN Minnesota Moose The Minnesota Moose was an ice hockey team in the International Hockey League. They played in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, at the Saint Paul Civic Center. The team also played some home games at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Moose were a representative of professional hockey in Minnesota at... |
W, 4-1, PHX Phoenix RoadRunners The Phoenix RoadRunners were a minor league ice hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They played in the ECHL, beginning in the 2005–2006 season and ceasing operations at the end of the 2008-2009 season... |
W, 4-1, MIL Milwaukee Admirals The Milwaukee Admirals are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA at the Bradley Center.-History:... |
W, 4-0, KC Kansas City Blades The Kansas City Blades was a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1990–2001 until the demise of the league after the 2000–01 season. The Blades was based in Kansas City, Missouri at Kemper Arena.... |
| 1995–96 | — | W, 3-2, KC Kansas City Blades The Kansas City Blades was a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1990–2001 until the demise of the league after the 2000–01 season. The Blades was based in Kansas City, Missouri at Kemper Arena.... |
W, 4-3, PEO Peoria Rivermen (IHL) The Peoria Rivermen were an ice hockey team in the International Hockey League. They played in Peoria, Illinois, USA at the Carver Arena.... |
W, 4-2, LV Las Vegas Thunder The Las Vegas Thunder were an independent professional ice hockey team competing in the International Hockey League. The team's home rink was at the Thomas & Mack Center. They began play in the 1993–1994 season, folding on April 18, 1999... |
W, 4-0, ORL |
| 1996–97 | — | W, 3-0, KC Kansas City Blades The Kansas City Blades was a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1990–2001 until the demise of the league after the 2000–01 season. The Blades was based in Kansas City, Missouri at Kemper Arena.... |
L, 0-4, LB | — | — |
| 1997–98 | — | L, 1-3, KC Kansas City Blades The Kansas City Blades was a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1990–2001 until the demise of the league after the 2000–01 season. The Blades was based in Kansas City, Missouri at Kemper Arena.... |
— | — | — |
| 1998–99 | Out of playoffs. | ||||
| 1999–00 | — | L, 1-4, HOU Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
— | — | — |
| 2000–01 | Out of playoffs. | ||||
| 2001–02 2001–02 AHL season The 2001–02 AHL season was the 66th season of the American Hockey League. It was the season of the biggest growth in the AHL's history, as it accepted eight new teams. The demise of the International Hockey League brought six teams transferring from the defunct league, in addition to two expansion... |
— | L, 2-3, HOU Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
— | — | — |
| 2002–03 2002–03 AHL season The 2002–03 AHL season was the 67th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs finished first overall in the regular season... |
L, 0-2, WBS Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. They play in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza... |
— | — | — | — |
| 2003–04 2003–04 AHL season The 2003–04 AHL season was the 68th season of the American Hockey League. The league introduces the Willie Marshall Award in honour the career points leader in the AHL, and awards it to the annual top goal scorer.... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||
| 2004–05 2004–05 AHL season The 2004–05 AHL season was the 69th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||
Single season
- Goals: 46
Kip MillerKip MillerKip Charles Miller is a retired American ice hockey forward. He last played for the American Hockey League Grand Rapids Griffins in 2006–07. He was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques as their 4th-round pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, 72nd overall.Miller played college hockey for the Michigan State...
(1994–95) - Assists: 60 Kip Miller (1994–95)
- Points: 106 Kip Miller (1994–95)
- Penalty minutes: 317
Mike MacWilliamMike MacWilliamMike MacWilliam is a former professional ice hockey player who played 6 games in the National Hockey League with the New York Islanders in the 1995–96 season.-External links:...
(1995–96) - GAA: 2.21 Rich ParentRich ParentRich Parent is a former professional hockey goaltender who played briefly in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins...
(1999–00) - SV%: .928 Wade FlahertyWade FlahertyWade Flaherty is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who has played in the National Hockey League for the San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and the Nashville Predators, as well as several teams in the American Hockey League and East Coast...
(2001–02) - Wins: 45
Tommy SaloTommy SaloTommy Mikael Salo is a Swedish General Manager of Swedish ice hockey club Leksands IF of the HockeyAllsvenskan. He is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender and a former head coach of IK Oskarshamn.-Playing career:...
(1994–95) - Shutouts: 5 Mike BalesMike BalesMichael Raymond Bales is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. A goaltender, he has played for the Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League. He attended the Ohio State University, lettering with the Buckeyes from 1990 to 1992, and was drafted by Boston in the fifth...
(2000–01)
- Goaltending records need a minimum 25 games played by the goaltender
Career
- Career goals: 111 Chris Taylor (1994–98)
- Career assists: 167 Chris Taylor
- Career points: 278 Chris Taylor
- Career penalty minutes: 684 Gavin MorganGavin MorganGavin Morgan is a former Canadian professional ice hockey forward. In 2010, he became an assistant coach for the Alabama–Huntsville Chargers men's ice hockey team.-Early career:...
(1999–2003) - Career goaltending wins: 73 Tommy SaloTommy SaloTommy Mikael Salo is a Swedish General Manager of Swedish ice hockey club Leksands IF of the HockeyAllsvenskan. He is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender and a former head coach of IK Oskarshamn.-Playing career:...
(1994–96) - Career shutouts: 7 Tommy Salo
- Career games: 440 Gord DineenGord DineenGordon M. Dineen is an American professional ice hockey coach. He is a former NHL defenceman.Although born in Canada, Dineen spent much of his youth in the United States, while his father Bill Dineen played and coached professionally. He returned to Canada to play major junior hockey for the...
(1994–2000)