A single overtime goal in Milan just changed everything for girls hockey in western Colorado.
Megan Keller’s dagger against Canada in the 2026 gold-medal game is still replaying on phones across Grand Junction. One week later, River City Sportsplex is turning that electric moment into action with a girls-only Try Hockey for Free event this Saturday.
That Goal Everyone Can’t Stop Watching
Megan Keller took the puck in the neutral zone, split two Canadian defenders, and roofed it top shelf in overtime. The United States won gold for the first time since 2018. Social media exploded. Little girls who had never touched a stick suddenly wanted one.
“That’s the coolest goal I’ve ever seen, man or woman,” said Jackson Wilson, Hockey Director at River City Sportsplex and former coach of the Boulder Lady RoughRiders. “I’ve had parents calling all week asking if their daughters can start playing.”
Girls hockey registration across Colorado has jumped 38 percent in the seven days since the gold-medal game, according to Colorado Amateur Hockey Association numbers.
Saturday: Your Daughter’s First Shift Could Start Here
River City Sportsplex opens its doors Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon exclusively for girls and women of any age who want to try hockey for free.
Everything is provided:
- Skates
- Helmets
- Sticks
- Full protective gear
Female coaches and players from the Sportsplex’s new 19U girls team will be on the ice the entire time. No experience needed. Never skated? They will teach you.
“Just show up in warm clothes and gloves,” Wilson said. “We’ve got everything else.”
Space is limited. Pre-register at rivercitysportsplex.com or call (970) 555-ICE1.
From Zero to 19U in Two Years: Grand Junction’s Quiet Boom
Two seasons ago, Grand Junction had zero all-girls hockey teams.
Today:
- 19U girls team (new this season)
- Women’s adult league that sells out spectator seats
- Plans for a 10U girls team next fall
“The growth here has been insane,” Wilson said. “We went from borrowing boys to fill rosters to turning girls away because we’re full.”
The Sportsplex also runs the Colorado Avalanche’s Mile High Mites program for ages 5-9 and has Learn to Skate sessions every weekend.
“It Looks Scary Until You Glide”
Wilson knows the sport looks intimidating from the stands.
“I get it,” he laughed. “Full gear, flying pucks, people crashing into boards; it looks crazy. But the second you push off and glide for the first time, you’re hooked. It’s pure joy.”
Every new player Saturday will have a 19U girl or female coach holding their stick, showing them how to stop, how to shoot, how to smile while doing it.
One current 19U player started at a similar free event three years ago. Now she’s committed to play Division I college hockey.
“Maybe the next Megan Keller is standing in our lobby right now in snow boots,” Wilson said. “We just have to get skates on her feet.”
The ice is ready. The coaches are ready. The gear is free.
All that’s missing is your daughter.
Bring her Saturday. Let her feel what Megan Keller felt when that puck hit the back of the net in Milan.
Because somewhere in Grand Junction, the next overtime hero is waiting for her first shift.
What did you think of Keller’s goal? Did it make you want to play or sign your kid up? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and tag a friend who needs to see this.
