OKLAHOMA CITY–The Oklahoma Warriors lost to the Colorado Grit 3-2 at Blazers Ice Centre on Friday.
The Warriors capped off a strong first period with a shorthanded goal from Kaden Nelson in the final minute of play. Nelson stole the puck at his defensive blue line, skated into the offensive zone uncontested, and lifted a shot to the top-left corner of the net to give Oklahoma a 1-0 lead.
That would be Oklahoma’s only goal in the first 55 minutes of the game. Colorado scored three consecutive times until Max Vig took advantage of a net-front scramble for his first career junior hockey goal. The Warriors could not get an equalizer in the final 4:08 of play.
A full house at Blazers Ice Centre saw a slate of pregame festivities to honor the 2023 Robertson Cup champions. Governor Kevin Stitt participated in a ceremonial puck drop and was named honorary captain of the game. Stitt, along with Mayor David Holt, both proclaimed Friday, September 22, 2023 Oklahoma Warriors Day in the state and city, respectively.
Daniel Duris made 18 saves in the loss, his first defeat of the season. Jack Erickson shined for Colorado with 28 saves on 30 shots.
Oklahoma and Colorado finish their only two-game series in OKC during the 2023-24 season Saturday. Puck drop is 7:15 p.m. Single-game tickets, multi-game packages, and group ticket deals are on sale now at www.okwarriors.com/tickets.
