OFFICIAL SITE OF THE
UTAH OUTLIERS
Mountain Division Champions 2023 I 2022 I 2021
OUTLIERS HEAD OUT FOR FINAL ROAD SERIES OF THE SEASON
The Utah Outliers will hit the road for their final long distance road trip this season, as they take on Mountain Division and eventual first round playoff opponents the Casper Bobcats. Both Utah and Casper are secured in their seeding as the number 2 (UT) and number 3 (CAS) spots. The two teams have battled a total of six times this season, with the Outliers picking up wins in each game. They have scored a total of 32 goals in the six games while only allowing 10 against. These three games are the final for each team as they prepare for the playoffs, knowing full well they will do battle in a best of three series just a few weeks from now.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR – UTAH:
For the Outliers, special teams are a major point of emphasis this weekend. As a team who was at one point leading the league in powerplay percentage, they have come down a bit and now currently reside in 7th place in the WSHL at 22%. Their 87% penalty kill is still good for 5th place. Last weekend, Utah was able to put up a decent number of man advantage goals, and even managed to keep the offense on a high note while on the penalty kill, scoring 2 short-handed goals. Individually, Nick Ness recently set the record for most goals in an individual season, beating out Kane Toriumi and Dylan Massie’s marks of 31 goals last season. He (33) and Matt Bartel (31) are both competing to separate themselves from all players that have come before them. Captain Zach Dornseifer finds himself tied for number one all time in goals while only 2 assists shy of breaking that all time record, as well as overall points. Utah will look to keep the balance and depth scoring attack going, while also continuing to improve their defensive prowess as the second season approaches.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR – CASPER:
The Bobcats are looking to try and show they will not go down without a fight in the coming games. Knowing they have yet to win a game against Utah and that they will be first round opponents, this weekend will be used as a benchmark to show their will to compete. They have some players that are no strangers to putting up offense, such as Daniel Silar. The 98’ Czech forward has an impressive 28 goals and 30 assists this season. On the back end, Joel Rothman is third on the team as a D-man in goals with 14, while also picking up another 16 assists. A three-headed monster is the theme in net for Casper, as Kayne Pasquet, Henry Deenee, and Ludwig Nordqvist have all seen over 10 games and save percentages near 90%. Each netminder has seen action against the Outliers and have put on stellar performances against them.
This is the final test and action for both teams as the WSHL regular season draws to a close. These three games will also be a good indicator of just what to expect as the WSHL postseason commences. Stay tuned on blackdogenterprises for game availability, as well as social media for information regarding the final weekend and roadtrip. Game one puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
GO OUTLIERS!