Outliers vs Spartans weekend preview

The Utah Outliers are set to take on the South Oregon Spartans at the Outlier’s own Acord Ice Arena this weekend, marking the team’s home opener series. The Outliers are entering the series with a 2-3 WSHL record, and the team is looking to extend their winning streak from last weekend. The Outliers are prepared and ready for the Spartans, coming off two very challenging and competitive series against Ogden and Colorado in the first two weekends of the season.

While a large portion of the roster has made their marks on the scoresheet so far this season, the Outlier’s rookies Brandon Krumpschmid (4G, 2A) and Zack Hoffman (2G, 6A) are leading the scoring race. Goaltender Dawson Rodin has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting a 94% save percentage and backstopping the Outliers for both of their wins.

The Southern Oregon Spartans are entering the series with a 1-5 WSHL record, and are coming off a 3-game sweep by the West Sound Warriors last weekend (who outscored them 14-8). This is an uncharacteristically slow start for a program that finished with 30+ wins the past three seasons, so the Spartans will be looking to come out hard and take some points from Utah this series. The Spartan’s Christian Ward (4G, 2A), Peter Toth (2G, 3A), and Jacob Mecir (team-leading 4 assists) will be key players for the Outliers to keep in check this weekend.

With both teams looking to improve their records early in the season, this series looks to be a tough battle. The Outliers, known for their speed and skill will have to face a Spartan group that is recognized for its tough physical brand of hockey. This should prove to be an interesting clash.

Outlier’s rookie Kaeden Meuer is hopeful about the weekend on home ice: "It's going to be an exciting weekend for our team. We are looking forward to playing our first home game of the season in front of our fans. These next three games are crucial for us to pick up some points and move up in the standings. If we stick to our game plan and play 'Outliers hockey' we will be in good shape," he said.

Teammate Viktor Burman added, “It will be nice to finally play at home and on familiar ice. Our guys recognize how important this series is for the team, and that we need to keep improving in our systems and game plan. We plan to bring a lot of energy and intensity against the Spartans and put on a good show for our fans”.

Games will be played Friday, October 13th at 7:05 pm, Saturday, October 14th at 6:35 pm, and Sunday, October 15th at 12:05 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $7, and all kids 10 and under receive free admission!

By Carly Tashman