A disputed overtime tally from Mallards winger Erik Muller gave the expansion Minnesota Mallards a 3-2 victory over the Grit to open the NAHL Showcase in Blaine.

 

With the defeat, the Grit’s overall record stands at to 1-1-1-2 and 4th in the South Division with 5 points.

 

NOTES

For the first time this season, the Grit were outshot, 29-27, by their opponent. The Grit had outshot their previous five opponents, winning two of those five contests.

 

Teammates Cade Kozak (17 years, 325 days) and Justin Vlassis (17 years, 138 days) became the youngest pair of Grit teammates to score in the same game in franchise history. Vlassis is the second youngest player to score in franchise history, behind Sheldon Rioux.

 

Forwards Christian Carter and Quinn Bowden both played in their 61st game as members of the Colorado Grit, overtaking defenseman Bowen Burke (‘23-24) for the all-time franchise record in games played.

 

Colorado’s defeat to the Mallards in overtime mean that the Grit are still searching for their first overtime win in franchise history. While they have had success in the shootout, Colorado falls to 0-7 all-time in overtime.