A new state champion will be crowned this year in 4A hockey. The defending state champion Durango High School hockey team lost to Glenwood Springs 2-1 in the 4A state quarterfinals on Tuesday night in Aspen.
The No. 8 seed Demons finished their season 11-9-1 overall and 8-6 in the 4A Mountain League. No. 1 seed Glenwood Springs improved to 17-1-1 overall and moved to the semifinals to face No. 4 seed Summit.
It was the third time Glenwood Springs beat Durango this season; Glenwood Springs won 5-3 on Jan. 3 and 3-1 on Jan. 4.
Last season, No. 4 seed Durango beat No. 1 Glenwood Springs 4-1 in the state semifinals en route to a state championship.
Durango started the scoring on Tuesday night with a goal by senior forward Phillip Brooks with 10:34 left in the first period for a 1-0 lead. Junior forward Sawyer Jones and sophomore forward Preston Loughman had assists.
Glenwood Springs had a quick response for the 1-1 tie with a goal by Beck Weatherred, assisted by Lucas Chartier and Wylon Deter with 9:09 left in the first period. Both teams struggled with penalties in the first period as the scored remained 1-1 going into the second period.
Neither team scored in the second, but Durango picked up two penalties. The game-winner came with 2:56 left in the game and was scored by Glenwood Springs’ Grayson Alcorta to put Glenwood Springs up 2-1. Weatherred and Jacob Roggie were credited with assists.
Glenwood Springs outshot Durango 16-7 in the third period and 31-17 for the game.
Next season, Durango should return its top five point scorers, including top point scorer junior Wynn Daniels and sophomore Baker Blount, who had the second most points.
A big loss will be at the goaltender position, where seniors Luka Remec and Evan Brock will graduate in the summer after splitting time the last few seasons.
bkelly@durangoherald.com
