01.13.2026 River Hawks Rewind

River Hawks Fans,

Your River Hawks are heating up, check out last weekend's recap with big moments, key takeaways, and what’s next.

The Grand Junction River Hawks wrapped up an intense road weekend in Idaho Falls with two games that had a unmistakable playoff feel; fast, physical, and decided by the smallest of margins. Across six meetings this season, these two teams have proven just how evenly matched they are, and last weekend only reinforced that reality.

Friday Night - January 9, 2026: River Hawks 2 | Spud Kings 1 (OT)

The pace was high, the energy was electric, and the detail level on both sides reflected two teams built for playoff success. Every shift mattered as the River Hawks and Spud Kings traded momentum in a tight, hard-checking battle.

Grand Junction stayed patient and structured, defending with urgency and capitalizing when the opportunity came. The reward was a gritty overtime victory, earned through composure, compete, and a commitment to playing the game the right way.

Saturday Night - January 10, 2026: River Hawks 2 | Spud Kings 5

Grand Junction pushed the pace and tilted the shot count in their favor, creating several quality opportunities — particularly during the first half of the second period — where chances to build a lead were there.

Idaho Falls capitalized on a limited number of opportunities during the second period to open the game up. After falling behind 4–1, the River Hawks locked things down defensively and pushed back hard. Over the final 25 minutes of play, Grand Junction allowed just one shot on goal, which came during a late 6-on-5 empty-net situation.

​The response, structure, and pushback after adversity reflected a group that continues to mature and raise its standard.

The weekend — and the season series — provided a valuable measuring stick:

• The River Hawks consistently played with pace, detail, and high compete, driving play for long stretches.

• Five-on-five play continues to be a strength, with Grand Junction holding the edge at even strength.

• When opportunities were there to extend leads, execution will be the next step,  but the process and identity are clearly trending in the right direction.

• While an opportunity existed to walk away with four points last weekend, the overall body of work reflects a strong, playoff-ready weekend of hockey. 

The next chapter of the River Hawks/Spud Kings rivalry comes January 23rd, when the Spud Kings visit River City Sportplex.

With six tightly contested games already in the books, a season series separated by just ONE GOAL, and both teams tracking toward the postseason, fans can expect playoff-level intensity on home ice. 

This is the kind of matchup that rewards pace, detail, and relentless compete — and River Hawks fans can expect exactly that when these two teams meet again.

Circle the date. Bring the energy. This rivalry is built for playoff hockey.

TONIGHT! HawkTalk will be in the Riverside Pub at 6:30 PM.

Join us each week to get an inside look at the NCDC River Hawks as Head Coach Dustin Timm and select players break down preparation, mindset, and the team’s approach.

Can't watch live? Listen to the replay on our YouTube channel. 

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. 

Bookmark the Blog — and our home website GrandJunctionRiverHawks.com!