aThe New Mexico Ice Wolves took on the Grand Junction River Hawks for the first time in franchise history Friday October 23. The Ice Wolves jumped out to the lead as Antione Demers would find the back of the net on the Watt Electric Power play for the 1-0 lead, a lead they would take into the first intermission. In the second period the River Hawks would score in the opening minute as Gabe Iervella would get a break away and bury the puck to tie the game at one. Anthony Leech would get the goal back 3:10 later to regain the advantage. The Ice Wolves would then double their lead as Oskar Edberg would score the second power play goal of the game for the Ice Wolves and they would carry a 3-1 lead into the third period. With under six minutes to go in the third period the River Hawks would cut their deficit in half as Tyson Matthews would find the back of the net. With 1:02 remaining in regulation Alexander Hjorth would find the back of the net for the River Hawks to tie the game at three. Overtime would not be enough and in the shootout the River Hawks would win 2-0 and earn the extra point. The teams will battle again Saturday, October 24 at 6:30pm MT.
