Get to know Durango hockey brothers Bryson and Landon Quimby
DURANGO, Colo. — Bryson and Landon Quimby share a love for hockey that takes their family all over the country, too many practices and even regularly traveling to Breckenridge for a 3-hour practice and back in the same day. Despite the crazy schedule at times, the Quimbys say it is truly the greatest time of their lives together as the boys pursue their dreams. Landon is 12 years old attending St. Columbia Catholic School and can鈥檛 wait to play next at the high school level. He currently plays for the Durango Ice Devils A Team and AA High Altitude Hockey Academy.
Older brother Bryson is 15 years old playing for Durango High School Varsity as well as AA Mountain Select, AA High Altitude Hockey Academy, and AA Mountain Militia. Bryson has set his goal of playing competitively on a juniors team and for a Division 1 college when he graduates high school. Next up would of course be playing in the NHL, the Quimby boys are both incredibly grounded and focused on their sport with Bryson saying, 鈥淥nly 4% of hockey players ever make it to the NHL. That is a huge uphill battle but I have learned to never be satisfied and always strive to be better. If I always have this strong work ethic, I know it can take me anywhere I want to go.鈥� This summer Bryson is also very excited to be playing in the AA/AAA Music City Cup in Nashville, Tennessee.
These student-athletes hold their studies as equally important as their time on the ice, they both work very hard academically. The Quimby family rule is they both must excel in academics to be able to participate in hockey. They are very proud of the boy’s strong work ethic in all aspects of life. Bryson plans to continue his focus on athletics with studying sports medicine, muscle anatomy, and nutrition to set himself up for a future career path.
Playing two positions, goalie and defenseman, Landon, also demonstrates his work ethic and loves the challenge he says, 鈥淚t鈥檚 about trying to always be one step ahead of the play, going where I think the puck will be, and reading where my teammates and opponents will be.鈥� The Quimby brothers appreciate the mentorship from their coaches and also enjoy pushing each other, Landon added, 鈥滻 learn a lot from my coaches, but my brother is my biggest mentor and has taught me the most about hockey. I think my brother is the greatest player! I love to work with him to learn new skills.鈥�
When the boys are not on the ice you will often find them working out together, one favorite way of staying ready for hockey physically is Landon riding his mountain bike with Bryson running alongside. The brothers also share a positive mindset and have some great self-analysis skills that will serve them well in their bright futures. Bryson says he works to improve himself at every opportunity by writing a self-evaluation after games and going out the next time with the goal to be even better. Landon also pulls inspiration from any game when he gives it his all, win or lose, and reminds himself that hockey is so great because it is a complete team effort sport.
Both Quimby brothers also lean on their faith and support from their parents daily, knowing what an incredible commitment travel sports can be. The boys鈥� pregame rituals include a few quiet moments to pray before a game and point to the sky for Bryson while Landon swaps out tape often on his hockey stick with a Bible verse that he has chosen. The family loves their time traveling together for games, Landon says, 鈥漈he best laughs and talks happen during our many hours on the road traveling for hockey.鈥�
The boys show they are genuinely appreciative of all their family does to support them, Bryson adding a special comment for their parents, 鈥淚 would like to take this time to thank my parents for all the love, care, and support I feel every day. I am blessed with the best parents in the entire world. Hockey is a very expensive and time-consuming sport that requires a lot of travel but my dad and mom show my brother and me that they care and believe in us in whatever we strive to do in life.鈥�
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