The Colorado Avalanche kicked off the Rookie Showcase in style on Friday night, earning a 5–3 comeback win over the Utah Mammoth at the South Suburban Sports Complex.
The game had everything you’d want in a tournament opener: a hot start, a third-period rally, and strong individual performances that will have Avs fans excited about the future.
Sarkenov Steals the Show Early
Nineteen-year-old forward Asanali Sarkenov
made an immediate impact, scoring twice in the first period to give Colorado control.
The undrafted WHL forward, invited to camp by the Avalanche, used his 6’4”, 203-pound frame to his advantage around the net.
- His first goal came at 12:45, finishing a play at the net front after a setup from Vincent Desjardins.
- Just three minutes later, he struck again with a heavy one-timer from the slot off a feed from Evan Friesen.
Sarkenov may not have been on NHL radars last season after posting 27 points in 52 games for Spokane, but his playoff run raised eyebrows: 9 goals and 14 points in 20 games.
His size, touch around the net, and ability to elevate his game in big moments are exactly what NHL teams look for in late bloomers. Friday’s performance only strengthened his case.
Utah Fights Back
Utah didn’t go quietly. Sam Lipkin got them on the board late in the first period, and in the third, the Mammoth flipped the script.
- Miko Matikka tied it at 9:47 with a quick wrist shot.
- Michal Kunc gave Utah a 3–2 lead at 16:45, wiring one from the left circle.
It looked like momentum had swung, but Colorado answered quickly.
Behrens’ Comeback Moment
Just 33 seconds after Utah’s go-ahead goal, defenseman Sean Behrens tied the game with a shot from the slot. For Behrens, the goal was more than just a stat — it was a statement.
Behrens missed the entire 2024–25 season with an injury, and this was his first competitive action in nearly a year.
He looked sharp throughout the game, skating confidently, moving the puck with pace, and showing the poise that made him a top prospect in the Avalanche system.
His return to form is one of the biggest positives of the night, and he’ll be a player to watch closely in main camp.
Humphreys Delivers the Winner for Avalanche
The game-winner came from Christian Humphreys less than half a minute later. The 2024 seventh-round pick (215th overall) scored on a rush chance, finishing off a slick backhand pass from Maxmilian Curran.
Humphreys’ journey has already been unusual — he began last season in the NCAA but switched to the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers midway through the year.
The move paid off: he recorded 43 points in 41 games, including playoffs, and now he’s showing the same offensive instincts at the Showcase.
Scoring the game-winner in his first big moment in an Avalanche sweater clearly meant a lot: “It’s surreal … you don’t take it for granted,” he said postgame.
Avalanche close it out
Nikita Prishchepov sealed the victory with an empty-netter at 19:49, giving the Avs a 5–3 win.
After the game, Colorado Eagles head coach Mark Letestu, serving as the Avalanche bench boss for this tournament, praised the effort:
“Outstanding effort all the way through the game,” he said.
Colorado couldn’t have asked for a better start to the Rookie Showcase. Sarkenov’s breakout performance, Behrens’ return to form, and Humphreys’ clutch goal all give the Avalanche plenty of positives heading into main camp.
For Avs fans, this tournament isn’t just about the scoreboard — it’s about seeing who’s ready to take the next step. On opening night, a few players made it clear they plan to grab that opportunity.
Next Game
The Avalanche rookies are back in action on Sunday, Sept. 14, when they face the Vegas Golden Knights prospects at 1:00 PM MT at the South Suburban Sports Complex.
