Grand Junction River Hawks Set for Inaugural NAHL Season Opener
The Grand Junction River Hawks are beginning their second season and their first in the NAHL league. They are set to play their opening game at River City Sports Plex against the Billings Cattle Punchers, who are also new to…
Grand Junction Montrose, CO, September 17, 2026 — The Grand Junction River Hawks are preparing to embark on their second season of play, marking a significant milestone as their inaugural season in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). The team is scheduled to host its opening game at the River City Sports Plex.
The opponent for this inaugural NAHL contest will be the Billings Cattle Punchers. Like the River Hawks, the Billings Cattle Punchers are also newcomers to the NAHL, making the season opener a contest between two teams establishing their presence in the league.
Further details regarding the specific date and time for the opening game were not provided in the summary. The location, River City Sports Plex, is confirmed as the venue for this anticipated matchup.
The team’s move to the NAHL signifies a step up in competition and exposure for the Grand Junction River Hawks. The NAHL is a Tier II junior ice hockey league in the United States, known for developing players for college hockey and beyond. The River Hawks will aim to make a strong impression in their first season within this established league.
Information on the coaching staff, player roster, or previous performance of the Grand Junction River Hawks in their prior season was not detailed in the available summary. Similarly, the history or previous league affiliations of the Billings Cattle Punchers were not specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Garrett Brown on www.kkco11news.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
