Oilers set to start title defense

BTippets@cherryroad.com

After completing a historic undefeated regular season and winning the United States Premier Hockey League title, the Vernal Oilers are set to defend the championship.

The journey begins for the Oilers on the road with the Colorado Fighting Elk on Friday night.

Vernal starts the home slate vs. CFE at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Uintah County Western Park Ice Rink.

“Right now, we are getting use to each other,” Vernal coach Ryan Howse said. “We have a lot of new faces this year. With the year we had last year a lot of the guys moved on, which is good for our program. The challenging part now is getting all these new faces, players and building chemistry. We are learning from each other, even the coaches. It has been positive and exciting. There is a lot of work to do.”

Howse has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping home in Vernal until the 2027-28 season.

He has 78 wins, seven losses and five overtime losses in 90 career games behind the bench.

Howse guided the Oilers to back-to-back Northwest Division titles and was a USPHL All-Star selection.

“My family, wife and kids are here,” Howse said. “That is important. Family is first. I’m comfortable in Vernal. I love the people here. I have built some good relationships here. I came in with the goal of creating a culture with the Oilers. I think I have done that. I want to continue to grow. It’s a great spot. I get treated well by the owners out in the town. This has become my home now.”

Fan base

Howse and the players can’t wait to see the fans again. The fan base has grown in the last few years with the Vernal rink becoming one of the hardest places to play in for the opponents.”

“The fans are a big reason why I decided to stay here as well,” said Howse. “The support we get is better than anyone in the league. The excitement, the buzz around us is even bigger than it has ever been. That goes to show the culture we have created here. We put a good product on the ice. For them to come and spend their hard earned money we reward them with what we do. This community is very important and special. We want to give back everything we can for coming out to the games.”

Returning players

Several key players are returning for the title defense, while new talent has also been signed.

The team recruits players globally, from North America, Europe and Asia.

Returning players on the roster are Peyton Hacking, Logan Powers, Jacob Mayfield, Micah Stanczyk, Luke Jimenez and Marsel Tynmbayev.

“It was challenging to put together the roster this year,” Howse said. “We had to recruit a lot of players. It goes to show how good of job we have done moving on players. That is the whole purpose of this. We want to create a path for these players who come to Vernal and have them have a positive experience.”

Howse said those players will play a critical role for the Oilers.

“These guys coming back won a national championship,” he said. “That experience alone is huge. They know what it takes to win. The bar is set high.”

Goalie battle

One of the biggest question marks heading into the season for Vernal has to be at the goalie position.

With the departure of Levente Hegedus, the Oilers made the spot a focus point in the off-season.

The three goalies on the roster to begin the season are Hacking, Matthew Macfie and Bence Veres-Fucsku.

“It’s healthy to have competition,” Howse said. “Our Hungarian (Veres-Fucsku) he has been talking to Hegedus. He knows what to expect. Macfie has been a pleasant surprise. Peyton has been here two years. He knows what it takes. I expect all three guys to push to start next Friday night when we start the season.”