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Jacob Roggie: A steady hand in Glenwood hockey’s winning formula

Glenwood Springs senior Jacob Roggie sports the captain’s "C" on his jersey on Saturday at the Glenwood Springs Community Center.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent

Jacob Roggie has been the backbone of Glenwood Springs hockey since his freshman year, and now, as a senior, he’s cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats. As a two-time captain, he has led the Demons to a 10-0-1 record midway through the season, earning them the No. 1 ranking in Colorado’s 4A division.

For Roggie, hockey is more than a sport — it’s a lifelong obsession that started the moment he first laced up his skates. A hockey connoisseur since his earliest days, his love for the game has fueled his rise to becoming one of the state’s most dynamic players.

“My older brother played, and my sister and I followed,” Roggie said. “But once I stepped onto the ice, I couldn’t stop. My parents had a hard time getting me off it.”



Roggie began skating at 4 years old with the Glenwood Grizzlies, working his way through every age group. In the off-seasons, he pushed himself further, joining select teams like Rocky Mountain Hockey Schools in Denver and Rock City in Buffalo, New York.

“The Rock City coach reached out with some opportunities,” Roggie said. “It was great for exposure and it was a lot of fun being able to compete on the east coast.”



Since stepping onto varsity as a freshman, Roggie has been a central piece of the Demons’ success, guiding the team to top-seeded finishes in consecutive seasons. However, the journey hasn’t been without heartbreak, including a state championship loss to Cheyenne Mountain in his sophomore year and a semifinal defeat to Durango last season. Now, as his final high school season unfolds, Roggie’s leadership and skill have propelled the Demons to a historic start, remaining unbeaten through 11 games — the best opening stretch in program history.

“Those losses stick with you,” Roggie said. “Getting so close and not finishing the job makes us want it even more this year. We’re working for it, and I think those tough moments really push us as a team.”

Roggie credits the team’s chemistry and relentless work ethic for their strong performance this season.

“I’d bet we work harder than anyone else in the state,” Roggie said. “We hold each other accountable, and that’s what pushes us past our limits.”

Head coach Tim Cota has witnessed firsthand how Roggie’s leadership has shaped the team, especially with a younger roster this season.

“Roggie leads by example, and the younger players have really taken to that,” Cota said. “He’s the guy who sets the tone in practice and during games. When he works hard, everyone follows.”

It’s not just Roggie’s leadership that stands out — his numbers speak for themselves. He ranks third in the state in both points(23) and assists(16), making him one of the most impactful players in Colorado.

“Roggie plays every shift like it’s the championship game,” Cota said. “He’s the kind of player who gives everything, every time he’s on the ice.”

Cota recalled a pivotal moment from Roggie’s sophomore season that cemented his leadership status.

“In the semifinals two years ago, we needed someone to step up, and Roggie took over,” Cota said. “He basically willed us into the championship game. That’s when we knew he was something special — not just as a player, but as a leader.”

Off the ice, Roggie works at the Glenwood Springs Community Center and volunteers with the Glenwood Grizzlies youth hockey program, mentoring young players and passing down the lessons he’s learned.

“He’s always out there with the younger kids, helping them get better,” Cota said. “He practically lives at the rink. It’s that dedication that sets him apart.”

Cota admitted that losing Roggie after this season will be bittersweet.

“When you have a player like Roggie, you don’t want it to end,” Cota said. “He bleeds Demon colors, and he’s set an example for everyone here. I just hope the younger players carry that forward because he’s made such an impact.”

As captain, Roggie takes pride in being a role model for his team.

“I don’t want to just tell people what to do — I want to show them,” Roggie said. “Leading by example means everything to me. I want the younger guys to see what it takes to give your all.”

Looking ahead, Roggie has drawn interest from college programs like Eastern Washington and Colorado Mesa, but his focus remains on finishing what he started with Glenwood.

“I’ve had a few coaches reach out, and I’m excited about what’s next,” Roggie said. “Right now, it’s all about finishing strong with this team. We’ve got more to prove.”

As his high school career winds down, Roggie hopes to leave a lasting impression on Glenwood hockey.

“I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up, who left it all out on the ice,” Roggie said. “That’s what matters most to me.”

For Cota, Roggie’s influence will resonate long after he’s gone.

“He has created a legacy at this school,” Cota said. “The work ethic, the positivity, the leadership, those are things that will live on in this program. Players like him don’t come around often.”

As the Demons enter the latter half of their season, Roggie has some unfinished business before moving on to the next chapter of his hockey career. 

“I haven’t won a state championship yet,” Roggie said. “That’s been the goal these past four years, and I want to make that happen.”


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