Utah Grizzlies see potential for a run at Kelly Cup

WEST VALLEY CITY — On paper — for what that's worth — Utah Grizzlies coach Kevin Colley sees similarities between this year's team and the team that advanced to the Conference Finals of the Kelly Cup playoffs two years ago.

"It's kind of similar to two years ago when we went to the Conference Finals," Colley said of his roster. "I think we were a bit more skilled with that team we had two years ago. But I think we've got the potential to just get everyone on the same page in a short period of time and get off to a quick start.

"We're only going to get better every day."

Heading into tonight's season-opener at Las Vegas, here's a quick position-by-position look at the Grizzlies' personnel:

GOALTENDERS: Rookie Parker Van Buskirk will be minding the net for the Grizzlies this season. He went 6-4-1 with Stockton during the Kelly Cup playoffs last spring, and Colley believes he'll be stellar for Utah.

"Parker Van Buskirk, the guy's a warrior," said Colley. "He never gives up on plays."

Mitch O'Keefe is slated to be Van Buskirk's backup.

DEFENSEMEN: Luke Sellars will be Utah's lone veteran defenseman in a group that's otherwise composed of youngsters.

But, according to Colley, they're extremely talented youngsters.

Evan Stoflet is back with the Grizzlies after his rookie season, as is Tim Maxwell. Victor Bartley and Dustin Friesen round out the group.

"We're pretty inexperienced back there," said Colley. "It's gonna be a challenge for us (as coaches), and it's gonna be a challenge for them."

FORWARDS: Captain Ryan Kinasewich returns for his fifth season with the Grizzlies and headlines a deep stable of forwards.

Kinasewich is the second-leading scorer in team history with 108 goals and 145 assists.

Talented speedster Vladimir Nikiforov is also back with the club, as is James Sixsmith and Tom May, among others.

Colley also feels good about the new forwards he has at his disposal.

"You can only dress 10 guys, but carrying 12 guys, any line combination that we put together looks pretty good right now on paper," Colley said. "It's up to us to find the right combinations for chemistry."

e-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com