Grizzlies set to turn into Demons after successful fall season on the ice
The Glenwood Grizzly 18U hockey team has had an action-packed fall, but it was this past weekend’s performance at the 45th annual Vail Sportsmanship Tournament that truly highlighted the team’s potential. With the winter high school season right around the corner, the Grizzlies capped off the tournament with a dramatic championship win, setting a powerful tone for the months ahead.
The majority of the Grizzlies roster is comprised of players who will suit up for Glenwood Springs High School’s Demons hockey team this winter, a team that made a deep run to the state semifinals last year. With the Vail tournament as the latest test, Glenwood’s hockey players have been sharpening their skills through a grueling fall schedule. A team that has made four championship appearances in five tournaments this fall, this past weekend saw the team fight through adversity, rallying to take home the championship in a double-overtime thriller.
The Grizzlies’ journey at Vail started on Friday with a hard-fought 5-5 tie against CPHL Vail. Jacob Stockdill was a standout, scoring twice in the first period at the eight minute mark and again with 43 seconds left in the first period. Despite being on the road and down 3-2 at the end of the first, the Grizzlies responded with goals from Jacob Roggie (14:45), Finley Carter (12:48), and Sam Rosenburge (07:21) in the second to tie the game. While Nathan Rahe of Vail completed a hat trick, including a game-tying goal with 12 seconds remaining of the third period, Glenwood held on for the draw, showing their resilience from the start.
Saturday’s game saw the Grizzlies bounce back with a dominant 4-0 win over Grand Junction High School Varsity. Stockdill once again found the back of the net, scoring with 5:36 left in the first period. The defense stood strong, shutting out their opponent and securing the victory.
But the toughest challenge came in their third game against Summit High School Varsity, where the Grizzlies fell 5-0. Despite the loss, Glenwood regrouped quickly, showing their mental toughness as they headed into the major championship game.
The rematch against Summit in Sunday’s championship was a true test of character. Weston Jacober got the Grizzlies on the board early, scoring just 1:10 into the first period. Though Summit clawed back, tying the game, the Grizzlies refused to fold. In the third period, Roggie scored a crucial goal with nine minutes left, leveling the game once again. As the game stretched into double overtime, Wylon Deter, who had been balancing his time as Glenwood Springs High School’s starting quarterback, stepped up in the clutch. Deter scored the game-winner at 01:40 into double overtime, sealing a 3-2 victory and delivering the Grizzlies their second tournament title of the fall.
“It’s been a grind,” Deter said, reflecting on balancing his roles in both football and hockey, as he led the Demons football team to a 27-0 win over Rifle before making his way to Vail on Saturday. “I’ve been doing it for probably four weeks — have a football game and then hockey games that weekend. I’m just kind of accustomed to it by now.”
For head coach Tim Cota, the success in Vail is the culmination of months of preparation.
“We’ve got a smaller senior corps than last year, but they’re full of experience,” Cota said. “The leadership of guys like Wylon (Deter) and Jacob (Roggie) has been huge. When you’ve got players balancing other sports but still showing up and putting in the work, it sets the tone for the whole team.”
The Grizzlies’ success in Vail was a sign that the team has the potential to make noise this winter in the high school hockey scene. With the Glenwood Springs Demons coming off a season in which they reached the state semifinals, expectations are high. The Demons lost several key seniors, including captain Ian Cole, but Deter, Roggie, and the rest of the squad have stepped up to fill those leadership roles.
“All the seniors have really come together. Everyone’s been buying into it, trying to be leaders and mentors to the younger kids,” Deter said.
While the Vail tournament was a major highlight, it’s clear that the entire fall season has been about building chemistry and refining their game. The Grizzlies have been practicing since the summer, traveling up to Aspen for weekly sessions and working on team dynamics. That dedication paid off as the team has made championship appearances in four of five tournaments this fall, taking home two titles.
The fall tournaments also allowed Glenwood to test different line combinations, especially with a mix of underclassmen and veterans.
“We’ve been building chemistry throughout the fall,” Cota said. “The last couple of weekends have shown what this team is capable of.”
With their high school season set to begin in mid-November, the Glenwood Springs Demons will be looking to build on last year’s success. The experience and leadership gained from the Grizzlies’ fall campaign will be critical as they aim for another deep playoff run.
“We’ve been practicing since summer,” Roggie said. “It’s been a tremendous help getting us ready for the season. We’re putting in the work now, and it’s going to pay off.”
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