The Indy Fuel used a strong defensive effort and solid goaltending from Mitchell Weeks to defeat the Utah Grizzlies 4-1 Friday night at the Fishers Event Center.

Utah, a team known for its offensive firepower, was limited to just 21 shots on goal, while the Fuel generated 35.

Lee Lapid opened the scoring at the 6:20 mark of the first period, giving Indy a 1-0 lead after one.

The Fuel struck again just seconds into the second period when Jason Ahearn, playing in his first professional hockey game, found the back of the net. Utah’s Mathieu Boislard scored later in the period, accounting for the Grizzlies’ only goal of the night.

Indy responded quickly. Michael Marchesan and Alex DiPaolo each scored within a two-minute span later in the second period, extending the Fuel lead to 4-1.

With 3:43 remaining in the second, Jesse Tucker appeared to add another goal for Indy, but it was waved off after a video review determined there was goaltender interference.

The third period featured no scoring or penalties, as the Fuel controlled play and kept much of the action in Utah’s zone.

The win strengthens Indy’s hold on third place in the division with about a month remaining in the regular season.

The Fuel and Grizzlies meet again Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Fishers Event Center.