Outliers vs Ogden Halloween weekend preview

The Outliers are entering the upcoming weekend against neighboring rivals the Ogden Mustangs enjoying a 7-game winning streak after sweeping the Casper Coyotes last weekend. The Mustangs are also having a hot start to their season, boasting an 8-game winning streak after sweeping the Southern Oregon Spartans.

The Outliers have had the benefit of enjoying scoring from all parts of their roster this season. Assistant Captain Zack Hoffman is currently leading the Outliers in scoring, as well as holding the number one spot in the league for scoring among defensemen. Behind him in points for Utah are Gianni Vitali, Roman Svik, and Kane Toriumi. The Outliers are currently at 8-3-0 in the WSHL for the 2017-18 season, putting them in third place going into the weekend. Utah is 16-27 for power-plays, converting on 28% of opportunities. Utah’s penalty-kill unit is boasting an 87%.

For Ogden, Matus Spodniak is leading the scoring. Spodniak holds the number one spot for scoring in the entire league, with 22 goals in 14 games. He has also recorded 26 assists, placing him in first place for points as well. Also from Ogden, Jacob Laurin and Ross Bartlett hold the number 2 and 3 positions in the league scoring race, with 39 and 38 points, respectively. Ogden is in first place in the Mountain Division, holding a WSHL 2017-18 record of 11-3-0. Ogden has converted on 14-56 power-plays for a rate of 25%. Ogden’s penalty-kill squad has maintained a 91% rate of success this season. The Outliers must keep Spodniak in check if they are going to wrangle the Mustangs this weekend.

The 2017-18 series between Ogden and Utah is currently tied, with Ogden taking game one 6-5, and Utah stealing game two 3-2. This upcoming series marks the 50^th meeting of all time between the Outliers and the Mustangs. Being a big weekend for both teams, Friday’s game at the Ogden Ice Sheet will be a red-out, and Saturday’s game at Accord Ice Arena will host a costume contest for fans.

The Puck drops in Ogden for Friday’s game at 7:30 pm. Saturday’s game at Accord will start at 6:35 pm. Fans are encouraged to attend the game in costume, and the Outliers are offering free entry for those who do. There will also be an opportunity for interested, festive fans to parade onto the ice in their costumes for the Outliers' Costume Contest, with a cash prize for best get-up. As always, admission for Outliers' fans 10 and under is free.

By Carly Tashman