The El Paso Rhinos opened their 2024 season on the road against the Colorado Grit, showcasing moments of brilliance and challenges as they split the first two games of their series.
Friday Night Thriller
The season opener was nothing short of electrifying, with both teams showing strong performances. Colorado Grit’s Braden Junker opened the scoring, but his goal was quickly answered by Rasmus Nousiainen, who not only equalized but also put the Rhinos ahead with his second goal of the night, making it 2-1.
The game remained tight until late in the third period when Sheldon Rioux of the Grit found the net, tying the game and pushing it into overtime. The ensuing sudden death shootout saw Michael Manzi of the Rhinos excel in defense, setting the stage for Ryder Many Grey Horses to score the game-winning goal, sealing a 3-2 victory for El Paso.
Saturday’s Setback
The momentum from Friday’s game didn’t carry over into Saturday for the Rhinos. Colorado Grit took control early with Alexander German’s goal. Rasmus Nousiainen managed to tie the game for El Paso, but that was the last time the Rhinos would find the back of the net that evening.
Colorado’s Luke Helgeson and George Poirier extended their lead to 3-1 by the end of the second period, with Helgeson adding another in the third to finalize a 4-1 win for the Grit.
Looking Forward
Despite the mixed results, the Rhinos demonstrated their resilience and capability to compete at a high level. Coach Gibbs Keeton remarked on the team’s performance and outlook, stating, “We showed some great potential and areas for improvement this weekend. It’s a long season ahead, and these early games are crucial for our development and preparation.”
The Rhinos return to the ice next Thursday at their home rink, aiming to build on the positives and address the challenges from their opening games.
El Paso’s fans are encouraged to continue their support as the team looks to bounce back in their upcoming games.
