04.03.2026 River Hawks Rewind

River Hawks Fans,

The Grand Junction River Hawks and Idaho Falls Spud Kings are set to play two home games at River City Sportplex TONIGHT and tomorrow, Saturday April 4th.

Doors open at 6:30PM and the puck drops at 7:30 PM! 

Series Reset: 1-1 Heading Home

After two tightly contested games in Idaho Falls, this series has delivered exactly what was expected—tight, physical, detail-driven playoff hockey.

Game 1 (L): Idaho Falls 3, River Hawks 2

Game 2 (W): River Hawks 2, Idaho Falls 1 (OT)

And just like the Round 1 preview predicted: Even at 5-on-5, it was decided by moments. Now the series shifts to Grand Junction… and the stakes rise.

Now it Shifts to River City

This is where the series changes. The River Hawks return home with:

• Momentum from an overtime win

• Confidence from outplaying stretches of both games

• A building ready to be a factor

This is no longer just a matchup… This is a moment for the inaugural team to Set the Standard at home.

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LIVE Jersey Auction

Two grey, premium-stitched jerseys signed by the entire 2025–2026 River Hawks team are up for auction.

1. Bid online for the first jersey. The live online auction ends Saturday, April 4 at 6:30 PM.

2. The sec

   ond team-signed jersey will be auctioned live during the first intermission of Saturday’s game.

   
   

   BID NOW!

Recap from the First Two Games

Through more than 122 minutes of playoff hockey, the River Hawks and Idaho Falls have been separated by almost nothing. The teams are tied at four goals apiece, shots are nearly even (41 for Grand Junction, 46 for Idaho Falls), and both power play and penalty kill units are operating at identical percentages. In every measurable category—goals for and against, special teams, and overall opportunities—the series is dead even. Just like the regular season suggested, this matchup is a true coin flip where execution in key moments, not chances, is determining outcomes.

The difference so far has come from momentum swings within short stretches of play. In Game 1, the River Hawks struck late in the first period before Idaho Falls responded with a strong second-period push. A power-play goal brought Grand Junction within one, but the comeback fell short. In Game 2, the River Hawks controlled early before Idaho Falls tied the game with just 30 seconds left in regulation. Overtime belonged to Grand Junction, as Tai Kontrec buried the winner at 18:40. One stretch, one moment, one bounce has consistently been the difference.

Special teams and discipline continue to loom large, just as they did in the regular season. Both teams capitalized on the power play in Game 1, while Game 2 turned emotional with multiple penalties and fights that shifted momentum throughout the night. The theme remains clear: discipline drives momentum, and momentum drives results.

Goaltending has also been elite on both ends of the ice, with key saves at critical moments and strong save percentages across both games. This series has quickly turned into a goalie duel, and on most nights, the first team to three goals may be the one that walks away with the win.

 Keys to Games 3 & 4

Back on home ice, the focus for the River Hawks is simple: control what they can from the start and avoid the short lapses that have swung momentum in this series. A fast start and consistent pace will be critical, along with leaning into the team’s identity of playing strong, heavy hockey inside the dots where their defense can help generate offense. Special teams remain a major factor—capitalizing on power play chances while staying sharp on the penalty kill gives the numbers in their favor. Just as important will be managing emotion. The intensity has risen, but controlled emotion—not chaos—wins playoff series.

• Start fast and eliminate the “one bad stretch”

• Win the special teams battle

• Play heavy, inside-the-dots hockey

• Keep emotions controlled and disciplined

Let's bring the excitement to River City and support our River Hawks!

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We’re building a new blog-style section on our website to host every Game Day Rewind. Each recap will feature game-specific stats, averages, notes, game flow, and key insights into your River Hawks’ performance. 

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