Hanus Scores in Overtime, Rush Win Final Game in Utah

Rapid City Rush defeat Utah Grizzlies 5-4 in emotional final game at Maverik Center

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vibrant, abstract painting in neon colors capturing the raw intensity and emotion of the final moments of a hockey game, with players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.As the Utah Grizzlies franchise comes to an emotional end, the team's final game at the Maverik Center is a colorful explosion of athletic energy and fan passion.West Valley City Today

In the final game of the season for the Utah Grizzlies, the Rapid City Rush defeated the Grizzlies 5-4 in overtime. Clay Hanus scored the game-winning goal for the Rush, his second of the game, to end an emotional afternoon at the Maverik Center. The Grizzlies mounted a late comeback in the third period to tie the game, but Hanus' overtime tally sealed the victory for Rapid City.

Why it matters

This was the final game in the 31-year history of the Utah Grizzlies franchise, as the team is folding at the end of the season. The game featured an incredible comeback effort by the Grizzlies in front of over 7,000 fans who stayed to support their team one last time and pay tribute to the team's legacy.

The details

The Rush jumped out to a 4-1 lead through two periods, with goals from Cameron Buhl, Cole Tymkin, Hanus, and Quinn Olson. But the Grizzlies stormed back in the third, scoring three unanswered goals to tie the game and force overtime. In the extra period, Hanus scored the game-winner on a one-timer to give the Rush the victory. Rookie goaltender Nathan Torchia made 41 saves for Rapid City.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The Grizzlies scored three goals in the third period to tie the game with 1:21 remaining.
  • Hanus scored the game-winning goal in overtime to end the Grizzlies' 31-year run.

The players

Clay Hanus

A defenseman for the Rapid City Rush who scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime, to defeat the Utah Grizzlies in their final game.

Nathan Torchia

The rookie goaltender for the Rapid City Rush who made 41 saves on 45 shots and was named the first star of the game.

Hunter Miska

The goaltender for the Utah Grizzlies who made 26 saves on 31 shots in the losing effort.

Cameron Buhl

A forward for the Rapid City Rush who opened the scoring with a shorthanded penalty shot goal in the first period.

Cole Tymkin

A forward for the Rapid City Rush who scored a goal in the second period to reclaim the lead for his team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Rapid City Rush will return home for the final two games of the season, hosting the Tahoe Knight Monsters on April 17 and 18.

The takeaway

This emotional final game for the Utah Grizzlies franchise highlighted the passion and loyalty of their fan base, who came out in droves to support the team one last time after over three decades in West Valley City. The Rapid City Rush were able to hold off a late Grizzlies comeback to win the game in overtime, providing a bittersweet ending to the Grizzlies' long history.