By  hockey standards, Jake Durflinger took a road less traveled to Denver. The sophomore forward grew up in Northern California and began playing at a rink that now is a sporting goods store. He left home in middle school to play hockey in Arizona and then spent five years in junior hockey at locations ranging from Corpus Christi, Texas, to Sioux City, Iowa, to Bloomington, Ill.

In between he was a Squirt hockey teammate of fellow Pioneers Devin Cooley and Tyson McLellan with the San Jose Jr. Sharks.

Along the way, the 5-foot-8, 170-pound bundle of energy developed a keen mind for the game and reputation as an agitator, albeit a skilled one. One season in junior he had nearly 210 penalty minutes, a number he reduced to just 27 as a freshman at DU. This season, he has not sat in the sin bin for a minute. It’s a transformation that would make the late Stan Mikita proud. Mikita famously went from one of the Original Six’s roughest players to a Lady Bing Trophy winner.

Durflinger was selected to the NCHC’s Academic All-Conference team and named one of the conference’s Distinguished Scholar-Athletes. He graciously took time to speak with Magness Mayhem recently.

What is your favorite moment in hockey?

Something that stands out to me was in my second year in the USHL with the Bloomington Thunder. We were the eighth seed going into the playoffs and we upset the No. 1 seed in a five-game series. We won Game 5 in their rink in Cedar Rapids, with cowbells and everything, so that was really cool.

Are you particular about any of your gear?

I’ve actually always worn Bauer skates. That’s the one thing I’m super superstitious about, but then I came this year and I switched, tried something new after wearing Bauers since I was 3 years old. So I guess I’m not any more. Now I’m wearing True’s new custom-fitting skates. I thought I’d give it a try and I’ve been happy with them.

Did you have a favorite player or team growing up?

The favorite team was always the San Jose Sharks, and I’ve always loved (Alex) Ovechkin since he came into the league. The Ovechkin-Crosby debate, I was always an Ovechkin guy. I was really excited to see him win a Cup this year. I can’t say I’ve modeled my game much after him, but I love watching him.

What is the breakfast of champions?

Breakfast is big for me. I think I’ve had the same breakfast for the last three months. Every day I make a sunny-side up omelet with two slices of ham and a handful of spinach.

Do you ever invite (Denver SID Matthew) McGreevey over for breakfast?

No, McGreevey doesn’t like coming over to hang out. He’s too busy grooming his mustache.

If goal celebrations were like touchdowns, what would yours be?

I like the one where Ezekiel Elliott (of the Dallas Cowboys) jumps in the big red Salvation Army kettle and peeks his head out. It shows he respects the Salvation Army and it’s fun.

How could we apply that to hockey?

That’s a tough one. Maybe jump into the other team’s bench? That might start a fight though. … Come to think of it, that might be something I would do.

What are you thankful for?

The biggest thing I’m thankful for is my family. I wouldn’t be here without them. They sacrificed a lot for me, first of letting me move away to Arizona. It was something big I had to do for my career. They supported me 100 percent. Throughout my career I’ve always thought about them, so I’m very, very thankful for them.

Did you have a favorite gift when you were younger?

I wanted to be a goalie when I was younger but my parents never let me. They’d say, “Be a player, be a player, if you hate it in a couple of weeks then try goalie.” Then one year for Christmas they got me a goalie stick and goalie pads. That was something I was super excited about. It never worked out. I think played one year of roller hockey in goal then realized I’ve got to skate around.

So Devin Cooley has nothing to worry about?

No, no, not at all.

Who were your biggest influences?

Initially, my parents. Everything they did for me and to provide for our family is something you never forget. As a hockey player, seeing smaller players do well in whatever situation they’re in. A guy like Tyler Johnson, he played five years of juniors and now he’s a stud for Tampa Bay. Things never really went his way growing up. I can relate to that. I had to play five years of juniors, four of them uncommitted, so I had to keep battling. I’d look at stories like that to stay motivated and stay positive.

Did you play other sports growing up?

I actually played baseball. I was a catcher. I played all the way until I left to go to Arizona to play hockey. That was part of the decision. If I was really that serious about hockey I had to give up baseball. I did swim team when I was younger. That was mostly a hobby though.

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