Grizzlies sign three players

West Valley City, Utah – The Utah Grizzlies, ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, have signed forward Denis Smirnov and defensemen Miles Gendron and Garrett Johnston for the 2020-21 season.

Smirnov played for Penn State University the past four seasons. He ranks fifth all-time at Penn State with 115 points (50g-65a) while his 10 career game-winning goals are a school record. Smirnov was selected in the sixth round (157th overall) by the Avalanche in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

Gendron was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the third round (70th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. He has 37 games of pro experience, spending last season with Brampton, Reading and Newfoundland along with one game with the American Hockey League’s Belleville Senators. He played for the University of Connecticut from 2016-19.

Johnston was a member of the 2019 Kelly Cup champion Newfoundland Growlers. Over the last 2 seasons with the Growlers, he has posted 45 points (5g-40a) in 96 games. Johnston also appeared in one game with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies in the 2019-20 season.