Oilers Raise Championship Banners

by Bruce Tippets
BTippets@cherryroad.com 

Things are off to an electric start for the Vernal Oilers. 

The Oilers raised their United States Premier national and regular season championship along with the Northwest Division championship banners from 2024-25 prior to the home opener at the Uintah County Western Park Ice Rink. 

Vernal’s owner and general manager, David Imonti, and coach Ryan Howse, have worked to rebuild the roster following the departure of several key players, relying on a strong returning core and new international recruits. 

The team has a strong winning tradition and a loyal, passionate fan base. 

Vernal’s Logan Powers, who has been a mainstay since the 2022-23 season, called the home opener a time to reflect on what they had accomplished last year during their magical run to the top. 

“It’s super special for Vernal, this team, the fans, the rink and the entire community came together when we were making that run,” Powers said. “Our fans are always great. The best in the league. It makes it a lot easier for the boys to give everything we got when we have such a supportive crowd.”

Powers knows the Oilers are a perfect place for him to play right now in his career. 

“The billets are amazing,” he added. “There’s no other place I’d rather play my final season of junior hockey.”

Fast start

As the reigning USPHL champions, the Oilers will face every team’s best effort. 

It seems like Vernal hasn’t lost a step from a year ago. 

Vernal had a dominating performance to open the season. 

In the home opener, the Oilers skated past Colorado Fighting Elk 12-1. 

“We have a good group of guys,” Powers said. “Last year was a team that this league may never see again but this year we have a lot grittier guys. We have a lot of heart and will be looking to play harder as a team all around.”

The Oilers blanked CFK 14-0 in the season opener on the road. 

“I think we all learned different things,” said Powers. “As a whole we just need to keep building as a family and get better each day.”