Oilers Off To Undefeated Start

by Bruce Tippets
BTippets@cherryroad.com 


A playoff atmosphere was felt when Vernal swept Seattle in an early season showdown at the Uintah County Western Park Ice Rink.

The Oilers claimed the series opener 10-5. Vernal edged the Totems 5-2 in Game 2.

Vernal closed out the weekend with a 7-4 win in Game 3.

“With every year when Seattle comes it’s always exciting,” Vernal coach Ryan Howse said. “I felt like our crowd was very loud and excited. I think our players feed off that. The fans in Vernal always come out and support us no matter what. The energy they bring helps our boys.”

Vernal knocked off Seattle last year to win the Midwest Division title.

“Our fans show up every night,” said Howse. “They are passionate. They are expecting us to win hockey. We want to make our place tough for other teams to play.”

The Oilers have rallied off eight straight wins to jump start the season under Howse.

Vernal is expecting to win its third straight Northwest Division in the United States Premier Hockey League and head back to the national tournament.

“We could have limited the penalties against Seattle,” Howse said. “We need to be more disciplined. Overall, we had a great weekend and a great start to the season so far. It’s tough to win three games in a row in a week against anyone. You have to stay mentally focused and tough.”

The Oilers first started to arrive for the season in August. There are players from all over the world on the roster.

“We have put in a lot of work,”said Howse. “The practices have been high in intensity.”

Howse said the goal is to win the national championship.

“I don’t see us slowing down,” Howse said. “Everyone has a job to do and knows it. The team has really clicked right from the start of the year. We have the talent and we all play for each other.”

Vernal has four lines of players who can score at any time while on the rink.

“We have guys who are returning that can get the puck into our forwards,” Howse said. “There is no secret that our forwards are a very talented group. The biggest part there is we can’t be lazy and rely on our skills. We still have to work hard to give ourselves a chance on any given night.”

Vernal is probably the most high scoring team right now in the Northwest Division.

“The cool thing is if one line isn’t scoring then the other line is,” said Howse. “That is always nice to have as a coach in your back pocket. When all four lines are scoring it’s going to be a fun team to watch.”

Vernal goalie Levente Hegedus was the starting goalie for all three wins over Seattle.

“Hegedus is our veteran guy and our No. 1 guy clearly,” Howse said. “There are going to be games like that where he is the one that is going to go. My expectations for him are higher than they were last year.”

There are three goalies on the roster, who are vying for the No. 2 position.

“Those guys will help out when he takes breaks because he can’t play all the games all year,” Howse said.