The Utah Grizzlies fought their way back from a two-goal deficit for a gutsy 3-2 win.
Making just his second start of the season and first at home against the Rapid City Rush, Grizzlies goalkeeper Ryan McKay exited in the third period after suffering a puck to the face. After McKay returned to the ice to a standing ovation, he didn't allow a shot past him the rest of the game.
"We haven't exactly been on a roll lately or playing our best hockey but we found a way to come through and that's what matters right now," McKay said. "Gutsy is the best way I'd describe how we fought back for the win."
Erik Higby scored two goals for the Grizzlies and, in his second season with the club, now leads the team with eight goals on the season.
"When McKay came back in that kind of energized us and I was fortunate to have a back door opportunity that found its way in the back of the net," Higby said.
Following a scoreless first period, Rapid City broke through with a pair of goals recorded just two minutes apart: Nicholas Miglio got the visitors on the board with a slapshot that beat McKay. Then Josh MacDonald wove his way through the Grizzlies defense and nestled a shot into the back of the net.
Facing a two-goal deficit, Utah sprung to life as Higby launched a shot that beat former Grizzlies goalie Adam Morrison to give Utah hope as the second period drew to a close.
Trailing 2-1 as the third period began, Utah's Mathieu Aubin took advantage of a power play with his seventh goal of the season to level the contest at 2-2.
With 40 seconds remaining, Higby scored his second goal of the game to give Utah the win.