Jan 24, 2025 | Game Recap
Third period struggles and a lights out performance from Odessa Jackalopes goaltender William Svard Karphed fueled a 1-5 Grit loss Friday night at the Greeley Ice Haus.
The Colorado Grit entered the game sitting at 14-16 (5-2 in conference) currently at seventh place in the conference while the opposing Odessa Jackalopes came into the contest sitting at 16-16. Both teams coming off of two game losing streaks, looked to bounce back during their push to the playoffs.
From the drop of the puck both teams looked to establish a physical brand of hockey. Hard forecheck and dump and chase offense on both ends of the ice led to a scoreless game through most of the first period. However, a penalty from Odessa forward James Richman opened up the Grit offense. Forward Ben Rakowski redirected a shot from Grit defenseman Evan Smutney to open up the scoring with 5:52 left in the period. Less than a minute later, Richman made amends, burying a short side goal to even the game at one goal a piece. Despite another Grit powerplay late in the period, the Jackalopes were able to hold off the Grit, ending the period tied 1-1.
After the physical start, the game opened up, creating many more offensive chances. Grit goaltender Peter Sterling came up huge early in the second, denying a breakaway attempt from the Jackalopes. After another Grit powerplay came up for short, Rakowski appeared to tip in his second goal of the game, before referees quickly came in to wave off the goal for a high stick.
Matching penalties from the Grit and Jackalopes led to two minutes of four on four hockey where Jackalopes forward Caden Ghiossi buried the rebound to give them a 2-1 lead. Despite out shooting Odessa 23-15, the Grit found themselves down a goal after two periods.
In a night that saw the Grit dominate offensive time of possession, Svard Karphed stood tall for the Jackalopes, denying 28 of the Grits 29 shots throughout the game. Costly turnovers plagued the Grit throughout the third period. With 8:18 left in the third period, Odessa forward Jeremy Jacobs ripped home a goal from the high slot. Just over a minute later the Jackalopes struck again as forward Jordan Larkee buried his 10th of the season extending the lead to three. Jacobs would add one more for Odessa, netting his second of the game and seventh of the year ending the game with the score 1-5 in favor of the Jackalopes.
Looking forward, both teams have a short turnaround as they will be rematching tomorrow at 4:05 p.m. at the Greeley Ice Haus.
Jan 20, 2025 | Player News
The Colorado Grit of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Kennan Reyelts has committed to play NCAA Division III for the College of St Scholastica Saints. The Saints located in Duluth, MN are members of the MIAC conference.
The 6’2” 2004 forward from Proctor, MN is in his first season with the Grit. Kennan currently has 3 goals and 3 assists in the 24-25 season. After playing in the NA3 last season Kennan came to the Grit early this season and instantly found a home in Greeley and helped build on the Grit culture.
Grit Head Coach Kevin Holmstrom’s comments on Kennan “This is a great time for Kennan, we are all very happy for him and all the work he puts in every day. Kennan truly loves the daily preparation and the work that goes into the daily grind. He plays with so much emotion; he impacts our team on and off the ice! He is a high character team first young man that will be highly successful at the next level. He will be a great asset to the staff and team at St. Scholastica and wish him the very best.”
Reyelts on his commitment “I am proud and honored to announce my commitment to play hockey at the College of St. Scholastica next year. Id like to thank my family as well as all of my teammates and coaches who have helped me throughout my hockey career. I’m excited about the opportunity for next year and am looking forward to a great finish to the season in Colorado as we push for the playoffs and beyond!”
Congratulations Kennan!!
Jan 20, 2025 | Player News
The Colorado Grit of the North American Hockey League(NAHL) are proud to announce that Carson Pavlowich has committed to play NCAA Division I at the United States Air Force Academy.
The 6’3” right shot defenseman is from Proctor, MN playing in his first season with the Grit. While in Proctor HS Pavlowich posted over eighty points over three seasons before a short pre/post season in the NA3 earning a tender last season with the Grit. He has posted one goal and six assists through twenty-six games to date in the NAHL.
Pavlowich had this to say on his commitment “I am very excited and honored to announce my commitment to play division 1 hockey and continue my education at the United States Air Force Academy. I would like to thank all of my coaches, teammates, family and friends who have helped me along the way. I would also like to thank everyone in the Grit organization who has helped me get here. None of this would be possible without the help of my coaches and everyone else who believed in me and given me the chance at this level. My time with the Grit has been amazing and I’m looking forward to staying in Colorado for the future.”
“We are extremely excited for Carson and the great future he has in front of him” stated Grit Head Coach Kevin Holmstrom. “He has taken such great steps this season, been patient with his development, respectful and competes every day. Pavs possess so many good hockey habits but more importantly character traits that are very fitting for the AFA, the staff and its hockey program. We look forward to his continued success the last part of our season and all he brings to the Grit!” Congratulations Pavs!
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.”
Jan 7, 2025 | Player News
The Colorado Grit of the North American Hockey League are excited to announce the tender signing of forward Colin Dustin. Dustin is a 2007 forward currently playing for the Ohio Blue Jackets 18U AAA team. Colin has had a great first half of the season tallying 21 goals and 20 assists through his first thirty-four games for the top 20 ranked Blue Jackets. Dustin visited Greeley and skated with the Grit earlier this season and made a good impression on the Grit staff.
Grit Asst GM Jesse Predhomme “Colin is a player we have been tracking for a while and has had a great season so far with the top ranked Ohio Blue Jackets. He is a very well rounded player with a high IQ. He skates well, competes hard and most importantly is a high character young man. We are excited to have Colin tendered with the Grit for the upcoming season.”
Dustin stated “Im excited to have tendered with the Grit. Im looking forward to being a part of a great organization and an amazing atmosphere.”
Welcome to the Grit Colin!
