ECHL: Utah Grizzlies sign Galiardi, O'Keefe

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West Valley City • The Utah Grizzlies have signed forward Rylan Galiardi and defenseman Pat O'Keefe, coach and general manager Tim Branham announced Tuesday.

Galiardi, 27, is entering his third pro season. He finished last year in Idaho, where he had two goals and 10 assists in 15 games.

"Rylan is a very smart hockey player and he will give us some secondary scoring that we need right now," said Branham. "He will also be a great voice in the dressing room, having won the Kelly Cup two years ago with Florida."

O'Keefe, 25, enters his rookie season after playing four years of college hockey at St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He had three goals and 17 assists in 26 games last season while leading St. Mary's to the CIS University Cup Final.

"Pat is a competitor," said Branham. "He is a very mobile defenseman, which will help us in our transition game."

The Grizzlies open a five-game homestand Friday night against Ontario at the Maverik Center. The teams meet again on Saturday and Monday.