Outliers prepare for Idaho Icecats
The Utah Outliers are prepared for this weekend as they welcome in the Idaho IceCats. After sweeping the Cheyenne Stampede last weekend, the Outliers are hoping to ride that momentum into this very important series between two of the WSHL’s top teams. The IceCats are also riding a wave of momentum as they too are coming off a sweep of their own against the Tahoe Icemen. For both teams, wins are vitally important as each team tries to distance themselves from the other division rivals looking to close the gap.
The Idaho IceCats come into the weekend series boasting a record of 34 wins, 4 losses, and one overtime loss. They have scored 231 goals while only giving up 75. They are riding a twelve game winning streak, and on the road this season have a 16-3-1 record. The ‘Cats’ are built similar to the Outliers, as they are getting the job done with a full team effort. They are stocked with goal scorers and point producers, solid defense, and a goaltending trio amongst the best in the entire league. Leading the way up front is Lance Herning with 35 goals and 29 assists. Terry Ryder leads the defensive scoring with 9 goals and 30 assists. In net, Jacob Hough and Tyler Matthews each share 12 wins, and Shaun Brown has 9 wins of his own.
For the Utah Outliers, Brandon Krumpschmid and Zack Hoffman share the lead with 56 points apiece. Kane Toriumi leads the team in the goal department with 28, to go along with 25 assists. Dylan Massie continues to gain traction, now sitting at 23 goals and 25 assists. In net, Dawson Rodin has collected 17 wins, Otto Saxin 11, and Trenton Wendt 4.
This weekend is huge for both teams with playoff seeding implications on the line. Idaho sits comfortably in first in the Northwest, however the Outliers are in a tight three-team race with the Ogden Mustangs and the Colorado Jr. Eagles. Both other teams in the race also face tough opponents, as Ogden takes on the Superior Roughriders, and the Colorado Jr. Eagles head down to take on the number one ranked El Paso Rhinos. Each team will be fighting with everything they have to ensure they keep pace with one another as the season heads down the home stretch.
Come out and support your Outliers this weekend at the Acord Ice Center. Friday’s game will begin at 7:05 PM, Saturday start time scheduled for 6:35 PM, and Sunday at 12:05 PM.