A little non-conference action helped spice up the season for the Durango Devils.
The varsity club hockey team hosted the Telluride Miners for a three-game set last weekend at Chapman Hill Ice Rink. Aside from some trouble with the ice in the second game, it was smooth sailing for the Devils, who won all three games in decisive fashion.
Familiarity was shared amongst the teams, as many of the boys grew up playing each other. Durango didn’t hold back, though, as it fired 49 shots on goal in the first game en route to a narrow 3-2 win.
Telluride goalie Everett Morton was a wall for much of the game, but Gus Kidd found a goal with an assist from Joe Lawton and Wyatt Killinen. Clay Kinder found a game-tying goal in the third period thanks to some slick passing for assists from Landen Sill and Lawton. Minutes later, Kidd scored his second goal of the game for the game-winner. Kidd fired a shot that hit the crossbar but went in with only 1 minute left in regulation.
The second game was shortened early in the second period, as a large slab of ice came off the floor at Chapman and created an unsafe playing surface. With the teams tied at 1, the coaches agreed to a shootout to decide a game-winner, as the ice could not be repaired in time to complete the game.
With 11-men, including goalies, getting in on the action, Durango goalie Robbie Grogan stopped all 11 shots he faced, while the Devils made three penalty shots to secure the game. Timothy Miller had the goal in regulation for the Devils. He was assisted by Kidd. Shootout goals came from Sill, Nick Piccaro and Kidd. The Devils left no doubt in the third game, securing a lopsided 8-2 victory. Telluride replaced Morton in goal to get younger players some experience, and Durango took advantage early and often.
Spirited play led to more penalty minutes and plenty of goals. Sill scored twice unassisted, and Kidd added another goal with an assist from Everett Howland. Clay Kinder found a goal with an assist from Kidd, and Kinder assisted Piccaro on another goal. More unassisted goals came from Jake Beekman and Eno Ulshafer, and Lawton added a goal with assists from Howland and Timothy Miller.
After a holiday break, it was a great way to restart for the Devils, who will host Odessa, Texas, this weekend at Chapman Hill.
With the Devils improved puck movement, the scoring has become more consistent, providing some relief to Grogan and the strong Devils defense.
