After a historic first state championship, the Durango High School ice hockey team was properly awarded for its success this season.
Senior forward Henry Howe and junior goaltender Luka Remec earned first-team all-state and all-league. Howe had 13 goals and 13 assists for the Demons. His 13 assists were first on the team and the 13 goals were third best.
Remec split time with junior goaltender Evan Brock in the regular season but took over in the playoffs and was a brick wall for Durango on its way to the state championship.
Senior forward Brady Holbrook and junior defenseman Mason Rhodus earned second-team all-conference in the 4A Mountain League. Holbrook finished the season with 14 goals and 12 assists which ranked second in both categories.
Sophomore defenseman Leyton Holbrook, senior forward Lucas Betz and senior defenseman Zach Griswold each earned all-conference honorable mention.
Durango head coach Brian Ensign won 4A Coach of the Year for his efforts as well.
“It's icing on the cake as far as just a special season and a special group of kids,” Ensign said. “I wish that more were recognized but definitely felt that the ones that were deserved it and everybody had a piece of it.”
The Demons are being honored with a suite in Denver on Friday for the Colorado Avalanche’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Durango School Board is also honoring the team at its next meeting on Tuesday.
bkelly@durangoherald.com
