Utah Splits Series With Bulls

Outliers Split Series in Pueblo, Bounce Back with Gritty 2-1 Win

The Utah Outliers closed out their weekend series in Pueblo with a determined 2-1 victory on Saturday night, responding with toughness and discipline after falling 6-1 the previous night. The split series showed both sides of the Outliers’ early-season identity — lessons learned, resilience, and a growing sense of purpose as the group continues to find its stride.

Pueblo Bulls 6, Utah Outliers 1 (Friday, October 10, 2025)

The Outliers opened their two-game set on the road with goaltender Max Varner making his third start of the season. Utah came out flying in the first period, establishing a strong forecheck that disrupted Pueblo’s defensive structure and created several dangerous looks around the net. However, despite the pressure, the Outliers couldn’t find the finishing touch to beat the Bulls’ goaltender.

Pueblo opened the scoring late in the period on an odd-man rush, finishing a backdoor redirection pass for a 1-0 lead. They doubled their advantage shortly after when Utah turned the puck over in its own zone, converting the mistake into a quick strike that proved costly for the visitors. 

The second period brought a more balanced effort, but once again it was Pueblo capitalizing on a late-period opportunity — a point shot redirected through traffic to make it 3-0. The Bulls added three more in the third period, including a power play marker, while the Outliers managed one goal of their own. Utah left the ice disappointed but determined to respond in the rematch.

Utah Outliers 2, Pueblo Bulls 1 (Saturday, October 11, 2025)

On Saturday night, Utah came out with a renewed sense of urgency and a clear commitment to bounce back. Colin Tornqvist got the start in goal and delivered a stellar performance, standing tall in key moments and giving his team the confidence it needed.

From the opening puck drop, the Outliers played with energy and purpose. Their relentless forecheck paid off midway through the first period when Magzhan Sagadiev created a turnover in the Bulls’ zone and found Hank Davis at the blue line. Davis hammered a shot through traffic and into the back of the net for a 1-0 Outliers lead.

In the second period, Pueblo generated consistent pressure, but Tornqvist was rock solid, turning aside multiple high-danger chances. Utah then extended its lead to 2-0 off a beautiful rush play. Johnny Carney drove wide down the left wing and slid a perfect pass to Sagadiev, who buried a one-timer into the top corner.

The Bulls got on the board late in the third while on the power play, when a point shot deflected off an Outlier player and found its way past Tornqvist. The final minutes saw Pueblo push hard for the equalizer, but Utah’s strong structure and commitment to defense held firm, securing the 2-1 win.

After the game, Outliers Head Coach Paul Taylor praised his team’s response and effort.

“I loved the way our group answered back tonight,” said Taylor. “We talked about having pride in our compete level and playing the right way. Friday wasn’t our standard, but the players responded exactly how you want a team with character to respond — with grit, discipline, and a willingness to do the hard things. That’s the identity we’re building.”

The Outliers leave Pueblo with a split series, earning two valuable points and plenty of confidence moving forward. With signs of chemistry and leadership beginning to emerge, Utah will look to build on its momentum as it heads into its next matchup against Idaho Falls.