The Durango High School club hockey team kicked off an impressive two-game set last weekend against Odessa, Texas, with a tribute to the team’s four seniors. Jake Beekman, Robby Grogan, Sam Kidd and Eno Ulshafer have been critical to the Devils’ success over the years, and they were recognized for their efforts before the team destroyed the opposition once again.
The visitors were shorthanded, and seven players and one goalie were no match for the red-hot Devils, who defeated the Jacks (0-14) in the two-game set by a combined score of 17-2, winning the games 9-1 and 8-1. The victories push Durango’s record to 8-2-0, and the team’s 16 points are just two behind first-place Los Alamos.
Gus Kidd was a menace on skates all weekend, as he led the Durango attack with four goals in each game. Kidd scored three of the team’s first five goals in the 9-1 win in Game 1. Everett Howland had a goal and an assist for Durango, while Beekman, Ulshafer, Clay Kinder and Jax Bayer also added goals for the Devils. Joseph Arnwine, Sam Kidd, Nick Piccaro, Tim Miller and Kayla Willis all had an assist in the win.
Game 2 was more of the same from the Devils. Kidd’s four goals were accompanied by a hat trick from Landon Sill, which, combined with another strong performance by dynamic senior goalkeeper Grogan, paved the way for another blowout. With a 1.90 goals against average, the Devils’ man between the pipes is second in the league.
Ulshafer also added another goal and two assists and proved yet again that he is at the top of the list when it comes to the best two-way defensemen in the New Mexico Interscholastic Ice Hockey League. Howland was also in the giving mood and racked up three more points, as he assisted on three of the team’s eight goals. Joe Lawton added two assists, while Beekman and Sill had a helper apiece.
Durango will host its final home stand of the season at Chapman Hill this weekend with games against La Cueva, New Mexico, on Saturday and Sunday. For the first time in team history, the Devils’ 5:30 p.m. Saturday game will broadcast on the local airwaves on KKDG 99.7 FM.
jfries@durangoherald.com
