If defense wins championships, Robby Grogan and Eno Ulshafer are going to be an important duo if the Durango Devils club hockey team wants to be the last one standing this season.
The Devils play in the Composite Division of the New Mexico Interscholastic Ice Hockey League, which is made up of teams from Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. The team did well to make the playoffs the last two seasons, but, as seniors, just making it there isn’t going to be good enough this time.
For Grogan and Ulshafer, who have been one the ice together with many of their teammates since elementary school, it’s time to win it all.
The two seniors have been critical to the team’s success so far this season as Grogan, the goalie, and Ulshafer, the league’s top defenseman, have held opponents to one goal or less in four of the six games played.
“We didn’t lose many players from last year and we have another year of experience with some of our new teammates,” said Grogan, a senior at Durango High School. “We also have a better idea of the league we’re in and the teams we’re playing, so I think we’re a better team this year.”
With just nine skaters on last year’s team, Durango made it to the NMIIHL Composite finals, but lost 2-0 to the Cibola Cougars. However, the Devils got revenge in the season opener this season as they beat the defending champions 4-1 behind Grogan’s 34 saves. In the team’s next win, the goalie registered his first shutout of the season.
“A big part of playing goalie well is keeping a level head, and Robby is great with that,” Ulshafer said. “Some goalies give up an unlucky goal and that’s it, it’s over because they’re in their own head. He’s also really vocal out there organizing the defense and letting us know where to clear the puck. He’s a good leader.”
Ulshafer is no slouch himself. The Animas High School senior was named the best defensemen in the state by the coaches, and his play is a key to Grogan’s and the rest of the team’s success.
“He’s really well rounded,” Grogan said. “Eno isn’t just a one-dimensional defenseman. He jumps up and joins the rush on offense and has the ability to score goals. He is also fast enough to recover and get back so I’m not facing many odd-man breaks.”
The two protectors of the net are hoping to play together at the next level, and are hoping it’s with Northern Arizona University’s Division I club team. In addition to playing hockey, Ulshafer has a passion for business. Grogan, who also plays golf and lacrosse at DHS, hopes to pursue a degree in architecture.
Until then, however, they have some work to do on the ice.
“We’ve got a couple big games this weekend so hopefully people can come out and watch us play,” Ulshafer said. “We’re playing good hockey and we play well as a team. I don’t want to jinx it, but think this might be the best season we’ve had in a long time.”
The Devils will try to push their record to 6-2 this weekend as they host two games against Santa Fe at Chapman Hill Ice Rink. The games are scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday.
jfries@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
Which hockey player do you try to model your game after?:
Eno: Well, everyone wants to play defense like Zdeno Chara.
Robby: Carey Price. He’s just solid all-around.
Who is your celebrity crush?:
Eno: Beyonce
Robby: Scarlett Johansson
Where is the best place to eat in durango?:
Eno: The Palace.
Robby: Grassburger.
What is your favorite hockey team:
Eno and Robby: University of Denver Pioneers.
What is your favorite sports movie?:
Eno: “Goon”
Robby: “Miracle”
What is the best video game ever made?:
Eno: Skate 3.
Robby: NHL 16
What teacher or coach has had a great impact on your life?:
Eno and Robby: Our coach Drew Kensinger.
