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.