The Colorado Grit ended their three game skid in fashion, defeating the El Paso Rhinos 6-2 at the
El Paso County Event Center Saturday night. Strong offensive play, a barrage of shots on net,
and key defensive plays helped the Grit pull away in the third period after a tightly contested first
40 minutes.
The game got chippy early when El Paso’s Brendan Coughlin and Colorado’s Kennon Reyelts
dropped the gloves, bringing the crowd to life. The early fight set the tone for a physical battle,
but it was the Grit who took control offensively.
Colorado peppered the Rhinos goaltender with 26 shots in the opening period but had trouble
breaking through. They broke through when Lucas Mann found the back of the net off a crisp
setup from Noah Gronlic, putting the Grit ahead 1-0. Despite being heavily outshot, El Paso
responded late in the period when Beckett Hinchsliff netted his 15th goal of the season, tying the
game at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.
The Grit wasted no time reclaiming the lead as defenseman Luke Helgeson buried his own
rebound just 2:04 into the second period. However, El Paso answered again on the power play
when Hinchsliff tallied his second goal of the night, knotting the game at 2-2.
Colorado continued to control play,with a great forechecking effort throughout the game. Their
efforts paid off on a power play of their own, as George Poirier capitalized on a nice passing play
to restore the Grit’s lead at 3-2.
Despite the Rhinos’ offensive increase in the third, the Grit shut them down defensively and
capitalized on key opportunities. The momentum fully swung in Colorado’s favor when forward
William Johnson buried a short-handed goal, extending the lead to 4-2 and deflating the home
crowd.
Nicholas Noble added to the fire with a goal of his own, and Poirier struck again off a wild
bounce, putting the game out of reach at 6-2.
The Grit’s offensive dominance, combined with key defensive stands, propelled them to a much-
needed win to snap their losing streak. Looking forward, the Grit return to home ice next
weekend when they face the New Mexico Ice.