The Glenwood Springs Demons High School hockey team wrapped up an impressive season with several players earning both state and conference top honors. Junior defenseman Grayson Alcorta was a standout, earning second-team all-state honors.
At the 4A Mountain League Conference Awards, Alcorta continued to shine, earning first-team honors. He was joined by senior forward captain Jake Barlow. Junior forward Jett Weathered and junior defenseman Sam Rosenberg both earned second-team all-conference honors.
In addition to team honors, junior forward captain Jacob Rogie, senior goaltender Marek Senn and senior defenseman Jace Joslin received honorable mention all-conference selections. Sen, who received All-State Honorable Mention his junior year, ranked 11th in the nation with a 1.757 points average (GAA) through the 2023-24 season. Barlow finished fourth in the state with 19 points, regardless of classification. Loggie and Weathered tied for 13th in the state with 30 points each.
The Demons entered the state playoffs with a 15-3-1 record and earned the No. 1 seed in the state tournament. They proved themselves by defeating No. 8 Battle Mountain in the quarterfinals, but were stopped by eventual state champion No. 4 Durango in the semifinals. Their journey was a testament to the team's depth and skill, outscoring their opponents 105-32 all season.
“What made us different from other teams was we didn't have a single set of lines or defensemen,” Cota said. “You can make a case that our top six defensemen could skate with the top two in the state. Our top six forwards can make a case that they could be on the top line in the state. Masu.”
Cota mentioned the number of players who are on the Glenwood Springs team and whose names could be seen in this year's awards.
“There are a number of players whose names are not on the list but could easily have been on the list,” Cota said. “Ian Cole and Brayden Dakuma, they are two great hockey players who have had a huge impact on our team and many other teams this year.”
Reflecting on the team dynamics, Cota emphasized the close relationship between the players.
“This senior group is a little special because the seniors and juniors are best friends,” he said. “They grew up playing hockey together. We've seen the juniors leave, as well as the seniors who have excelled, and the juniors need to step up into leadership roles next year.” I understand that and I have no doubts.”
Although the season ended just two weeks ago, Cota said the team and coaches know what they have to do in the offseason.
“We carry a lot of talent from this year's team into next year. These are players who will contribute greatly to this team and are hungry to win a state championship,” Cota said. “They know what they need to work on, and we as coaches know what we need to work on. How will the new players contribute next season and how will they contribute to the team? I’m looking forward to seeing how it fits in.”
