The Tahoe Knight Monsters faced off against the Utah Grizzlies on Sunday in game thirty-six of the season, setting up another divisional matchup. As the ECHL affiliate of the Vegas Golden Knights, Tahoe entered the contest holding third place in the division with an impressive 20-12-3 record. They were looking to continue their strong campaign. As the ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, Utah came in ranked seventh in the division with a 13-16-3 record. They were hoping to gain momentum and climb the standings with a big road win.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters came into this matchup hunting for their twenty-first win of the season and their third straight victory over the Utah Grizzlies. Riding a strong stretch of play, Tahoe was determined to keep building momentum and further establish themselves as one of the division’s elite teams, using this game as another chance to strengthen their position near the top of the standings. Meanwhile, the Utah Grizzlies were searching for their fourteenth win of the season and hoping to snap a frustrating four-game losing streak. The stage was set for a classic top-versus-bottom divisional clash, with Tahoe looking to reinforce their contender status while Utah fought to climb out of the cellar and regain some much-needed momentum.
#30 Jacob Mucitelli got the start in net for the Tahoe Knight Monsters. It was his first game played this season for Tahoe. It was also his first ECHL game in net. #35 Dominic Basse got the start in net for the Utah Grizzlies. It was his second game played this season for Utah.
Fifty-one seconds into the game, Trent Swick of the Tahoe Knight Monsters was called for tripping. Eight minutes into the game, #21 Noah Ganske scored to give the Utah Grizzlies the lead. His goal was assisted by #20 Aiden Hansen-Bukata and #23 Reed Lebster.
Following the Utah goal, goaltender Jacob Mucitelli of Tahoe left the game due to injury. Mucitelli was replaced in net by Jordan Papirny. Nine minutes into the game, Trent Swick of Tahoe fought Luc Salem of Utah. From St. Catharines, Ontario, forward Trent Swick, at 21 years old, is 6ft 6in, and weighs 207lbs. From Los Angeles, Califonria, defender Luc Salem, at 26 years old, is also 6ft 6in, and weighs 197lbs. Salem swung first but couldn’t land any clean punches. Swick landed one punch, and the fight was over as Salem fell to the ground. Both players received five-minute penalties for fighting.
The Utah Grizzlies had a 1-0 lead after the first period.
Fifty-eight seconds into the second period, #95 Samuel Mayer scored for the Tahoe Knight Monsters to tie the game. His goal was assisted by #38 Jordan Gustafson and #76 Trent Swick.
Six minutes into the second period, the Knight Monsters took the lead. #19 Luke Adam scored the goal. His goal was assisted by #95 Samuel Mayer and #26 Nate Kallen.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters had a 2-1 lead going into the third period.
Two minutes into the third period, Shawn Kennedy of Utah was called for high-sticking. Eight minutes into the third period, #11 Evan Friesen scored for the Utah Grizzlies to tie the game. His goal was assisted by #21 Noah Ganske and #23 Reed Lebster.
With under four minutes left in the game, the Knight Monsters retook the lead. The goal was scored by #95 Samuel Mayer. His goal was assisted by #38 Jordan Gustafson.
With under three minutes left in the game, the Grizzlies pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. With just over a minute left in the game, Casey Bailey of Tahoe received a penalty for boarding. The Knight Monsters held on to win the game. The final score was 3-2.
Utah struck first, taking a one-goal lead into the first intermission. The Tahoe Knight Monsters wasted little time responding. Early in the second period, Tahoe evened the score and then quickly followed it up with a go-ahead goal to seize the momentum. The Knight Monsters carried that lead into the third period, only to see the Grizzlies tie the game midway through the final frame. With tension building and the clock winding down, Tahoe rose to the occasion, scoring late to reclaim the lead. The closing minutes were frantic, as the Knight Monsters were forced to defend a 6-on-4 advantage, but they held strong to secure the win in dramatic fashion. This contest featured limited penalties and began as a showdown between two rookie goaltenders eager to make a name for themselves in the ECHL. That narrative shifted when Tahoe was forced to make a goalie change due to injury. Despite grabbing the early lead, Utah was unable to capitalize or build any momentum, which ultimately proved costly. Even when the Grizzlies briefly gained control, Tahoe refused to fold, continuing to outplay their opponent. While the Knight Monsters missed chances to extend their lead and put the game away earlier, they delivered a spectacular late-game effort that sealed the victory.
With the win, Tahoe completed a three-game sweep of the series and extended their winning streak to three games. The Knight Monsters dominated the opener with a 6-3 victory and followed it up with another six-goal performance in a 6-2 win. Although the final matchup was much tighter, Tahoe still found a way to come out on top. The series served as a clear statement, highlighting why the Knight Monsters sit among the division’s top three teams, while Utah remains near the bottom. Tahoe’s consistent effort throughout the series continues to reinforce their status as one of the league’s premier contenders.
Despite being outshot, the Tahoe Knight Monsters made the most of their chances in this one. Utah finished the night with 37 shots on goal, 15 more than Tahoe’s 22, but the Knight Monsters were far more efficient. Tahoe posted a 14% shooting rate compared to Utah’s 5%, turning quality opportunities into goals. Special teams were quiet on both sides, as neither team was able to convert on the power play. Tahoe went 0-for-1 with the man advantage, while Utah finished 0-for-2. The Grizzlies held one extra power-play opportunity, but both teams were perfect on the penalty kill. Discipline slightly favored Utah, as Tahoe racked up nine penalty minutes compared to the Grizzlies’ seven. In net, Tahoe received strong goaltending throughout the game. Rookie #30 Jacob Mucitelli made his ECHL debut and logged 8:43 of ice time, stopping 10 of 11 shots for a solid 90% save percentage. #34 Jordan Papirny handled the bulk of the workload, turning aside 25 of 26 shots for an impressive 96% save percentage. Together, the Knight Monsters goaltenders combined to stop 35 of 37 shots, good for a 95% save rate. On the other end, Utah netminder #35 Dominic Basse stopped 19 of 22 shots, finishing the night with an 86% save percentage.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters now have a record of 21-12-3 with 45 points in 36 games. The Knight Monsters are in sixth place in the ECHL. The Knight Monsters are in third place in the ECHL Western Conference. The Knight Monsters are in third place in the ECHL Western Conference Mountain Division. The Mountain Division is currently dominating the ECHL. Six of the top ten teams in the Western Conference standings are Mountain Division teams. The Mountain Division also has more teams in the top ten of the ECHL standings than any other division. The Tahoe Knight Monsters have played the most games so far this season of any ECHL team. That could hurt them in the standings as the season continues. The Knight Monsters are 11 points (5 wins and an overtime or shootout loss) into a playoff spot. The Knight Monsters are 6 points (3 wins) away from the top spot in the ECHL. The Knight Monsters are 5 points (2 wins and an overtime or shootout loss) away from the top spot in the ECHL Western Conference and ECHL Western Conference Mountain division. There is still plenty of hockey left in the season. Tahoe still has a shot at all of those spots. It will be challenging to get those positions. Playing the most games in the league also makes it increasingly difficult. Tahoe is only one game away from tying second place in the conference and division. That could happen soon.
The Tahoe Knight Monsters are set to face the Wichita Thunder in their thirty-seventh game of the season. This matchup is the first of back-to-back games in Wichita. The puck is dropping on Friday, January 16th, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Zac Electrifly 
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