Mar 30, 2025 | Game Recap
After an electrifying overtime win on Friday night, the Colorado Grit looked to carry that momentum into their second matchup against the New Mexico Ice Wolves. While the Grit battled from start to finish, the Ice Wolves capitalized on key opportunities, securing a 5-1 victory to split the weekend series.
The Grit wasted no time getting on the board, with captain George Poirier continuing his hot streak from the previous night. Just 3:11 into the game, Poirier found the back of the net, giving Colorado the early edge. The Grit played a physical, high-energy first period, controlling possession and pressuring the Ice Wolves’ defense. However, New Mexico responded late in the frame, sending the game into intermission tied 1-1.
Colorado came out firing in the second, outshooting the Ice Wolves and generating multiple scoring chances. But New Mexico’s goaltender stood tall, turning aside every quality opportunity. Meanwhile, the Ice Wolves made the most of their offensive rushes, striking three times with goals from Ethan Hull, Sean Gibbons, and Sloan Farmer. Despite Colorado’s relentless attack, the scoreboard told a different story as the period ended 4-1 in favor of New Mexico.
The Grit didn’t give up in the third, battling throughout. The Ice Wolves added one more before the end of the game.
While the loss was a tough one, the Grit walk away from the weekend with a win, taking two points home with them. They will face the Odessa Jackalopes next weekend on the road.
Mar 29, 2025 | Game Recap
The Colorado Grit battled their way to a 4-3 overtime victory against the New Mexico Ice Wolves on Saturday night. Following a tough loss the night before, the Grit were determined to respond—and they did just that in front of a hostile crowd.
The opening period was a grind, with both teams fighting forf ice. Peter Sterling was outstanding between the pipes, shutting down multiple high-danger chances from the Ice Wolves and keeping the game scoreless.
The Grit wasted no time making an impact in the second period. Carson Pavlowich broke the deadlock, giving the Grit the lead. New Mexico responded just three minutes later, but the Grit refused to let momentum swing. Pavlowich struck again to regain the lead, and at 13:29, Sheldon Rioux capitalized to extend Colorado’s advantage to 3-1.
The intensity ramped up, resulting in a massive brawl that saw ten penalties assessed. Neither team backed down, and the Grit proved they weren’t just playing to win—they were fighting for every shift.
New Mexico came out strong in the final period, scoring two quick goals from Jake Kasay and François De Villiers to even the score. From that moment on,the Grit’s defensive core stood tall, absorbing pressure and blocking shots, while Sterling continued to come up big in net. Neither team could find the go-ahead goal, sending the game to overtime.
The Grit refused to let this one slip away. Just minutes into overtime, George Poirier delivered the game-winner, burying to give Colorado the victory. The arena erupted as the Grit secured two crucial points and set up a decisive rubber match against the Ice Wolves tomorrow.
Mar 22, 2025 | Game Recap
After a hard-fought overtime loss on Friday night, the Colorado Grit responded in a big way
Saturday, battling through a late Amarillo push to claim a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory at home.
Sheldon Rioux delivered the game-winner in the extra frame, sealing an important two points for
the Grit in front of an electric crowd.
Determined to bounce back, the Grit came out with energy, but Amarillo struck first, as
Alexander Aleslov found the net just 2:47 into the game. Colorado wasted little time responding.
Braden Junker knotted things up with his fifth goal of the season, capitalizing on a golden
opportunity. The momentum carried over as Alexander German fired home his 11th of the year,
giving the Grit a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
The Grit tightened up defensively in the second period, limiting Amarillo’s scoring chances while
keeping the pressure on offensively. Midway through the frame, Lucca Ori extended the lead to
3-1, giving Colorado some breathing room. They were able to keep Amarillo off the scoreboard
in the second.
Despite Colorado’s control through two periods, Amarillo refused to go quietly. Aleslov struck
again early in the third to cut the lead to one, and with momentum shifting, Daniel Rassega
found the equalizer, forcing overtime for the second straight night.
Determined not to let another game slip away, the Grit wasted little time in the extra frame.
Sheldon Rioux stepped up as the hero, beating the Amarillo goaltender and sending the Grit
faithful into celebration mode.
With a well-earned victory, the Grit take two points and will look to build on this leading into their
game next week against the New Mexico Ice Wolves.
Mar 21, 2025 | Game Recap
The Colorado Grit came into Friday night looking to take game one of the back to back against
Amarillo. Despite a gutsy performance and comeback the Grit fell just short in overtime,
dropping a 4-3 decision to the Amarillo Wranglers.
Colorado came out with energy in what was a physical period. They fired 11 shots on net,
testing Amarillo’s goaltender early and often. Despite generating quality chances, the Grit
couldn’t solve the Wranglers’ defense, leaving the first period locked in a 0-0 stalemate.
Amarillo broke through first, as Marc LaFrance found twine at 11:51, capitalizing on a defensive
breakdown by Colorado. The Wranglers barely had time to celebrate before the Grit answered
back. Just a minute later, defenseman Luke Helgeson stepped up, burying the goal and tying
the game up for the Grit. However, Amarillo regained the lead late in the period, sending the Grit
to the locker room trailing 2-1.
Colorado wasted no time turning the tide in the final frame. Just 59 seconds in, Sheldon Rioux
buried a shot to tie the game. Then, only 15 seconds later, Landon West struck putting the Grit
ahead 3-2. The Wranglers responded with a goal from Jake Boulanger, leveling the score once
again. Both teams battled down the stretch, but regulation ended deadlocked at three.
Overtime was as intense as expected, with both teams trading blows. However, at 2:02,
Amarillo’s Alexander Aleslov found the back of the net, sealing the win for the Wranglers.
Despite the tough loss, Colorado secured a valuable point and will have a shot at revenge in
Saturday’s rematch.
Jan 8, 2025 | Player News
Colorado Grit Netminder Jack Erickson makes Division 1 Commitment
The Colorado Grit of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that goaltender Jack Erickson has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey next semester for Bentley University. Bentley located in Waltham, Mass is a member of Atlantic Hockey.
The 6’1″ netminder was having an exceptional season for the Grit posting a 2.59 gaa and .918 saves percentage. He has had multiple league player of the week nominations as well as Grit player of the month in both November and December. Erickson from White Bear Lake, MN was in his second season in the NAHL.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunities and experiences I got playing for the Grit” said Erickson. “I couldn’t have gotten this chance to move on and play Division 1 hockey without the support and encouragement of all the players and staff. I’m very excited to achieve a dream of playing Division 1 hockey at Bentley University and cant thank everyone enough at the Grit organization for helping me achieve it.
Thank you to the staff at Bentley University for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. I couldn’t be more happy to join the community and team.”
Grit Head Coach Kevin Holmstrom had this to say on Erickson’s D1 commitment “Jack has played at very high level for us this season and given us a opportunity to win each night, he has truly earned this. He is so respected with all his teammates and our staff this is very exciting. I could not be happier for Jack, his family and the opportunity he will have at Bentley.”
