OUTLIERS PREPARE FOR 2019-20 SEASON
The Utah Outliers have been hard at work this summer putting together a winning team for the upcoming 2019-20 WSHL hockey season. After compiling a record of 35-16 last season, Utah is coming into their fourth campaign in hopes of taking the next step of winning a Thorne Cup Championship. The Outliers have earned the reputation of having a top team in the WSHL and have compiled a solid record of 102-44 in their three years of operation. Each season Utah has managed to post a 30+ win season, and they look to do the same again in the 2019-20 season.
This season will be a little different, however, as the Outliers are now competing in the new Northwest Division. This new Division will now be comprised of the Utah Outliers, Ogden Mustangs along with the Bellingham Blazers, Seattle Totems, Southern Oregon Spartans and the West Sound Admirals.
Utah has familiarity with some of these teams, having played against the Blazers and Totems last season. The Outliers faced off against both teams at the 2018-19 WSHL showcase, beating both Bellingham and Seattle in those games. The team also has shown recent success against Southern Oregon, sweeping them in all six games they played during the 2017-18 season. The Outliers have yet to face off against the Admirals since the team’s inception into the league. With the new Northwest Division alignment, it should be interesting to see how these teams stack up over a full season together.
The roster this season will have plenty of new faces as a large group of players from last year’s team have moved on to play collegiate and professional hockey. There will be a few familiar faces returning to the club that will be announced in the next few weeks, including the likes of goaltender Oscar Wahlgren. Oscar joined the Outliers last season and instantly became a top goaltender in the WSHL, leading the league in shutouts and being in the top 5 in most goaltending statistical categories.
This season’s roster will feature a blend of both North American and European players with many having Junior hockey experience. The team is excited to welcome players from Florida, Tennessee, South Dakota, California, Utah, Alberta, Ontario, Sweden, Czech Republic, Russia, and Latvia. With a core group of returners mixing with the new talent, this is shaping up to be another strong team for the Outliers.
Stay tuned for more Outliers information regarding the upcoming hockey season, including the schedule, as well as individual player announcements for the upcoming year. Check in to all social media platforms for other details regarding everything Outliers’ hockey!