Utah Outliers take on Southern Oregon Spartans for three-game weekend

This weekend at the Acord Ice Center, the Utah Outliers (10-4-0), prepare to take on the Southern Oregon Spartans (3-11-0). The Outliers are on a nine-game winning streak and look to continue their winning ways and relentless style of play. 

Currently, the Utah Outliers are in second place in the Northwest Division of the WSHL, however, they are not content. They are focused on achieving their objectives throughout this weekend. “Our primary goal is to continuously build on our team game while consistently getting more play throughout our line up each night,” said Head Coach, Paul Taylor. "We would like to see our team control possession of the puck throughout each game against Southern Oregon, ensuring they feel the pressure of our focused attack," explained Taylor.

The Outliers are coming off a bye weekend, which provided the team some extra practices both on and off the ice. Coach Taylor, hopes this will translate into even greater on-ice efficiency this weekend. “I am hoping to see more practice-to-game transfer for this weekend against the Spartans. We are continually trying to build our game on both sides of the puck, and I hope to see more evidence of our activities during practices appearing in games.”

Jakub Lelek, a defensemen with 26 points for the Utah Outliers, averaging 1.86 points per game, has been looking forward for this weekend. “We go into every weekend prepared to win, and excited to play, so we’ll be ready against the Spartans from the start.”

The Outliers have had to battle through adversity lately with a few injuries, however, Outliers' Assistant Coach Sean Leahy sees the positives that can be taken from these type situations. “We’re able to find versatility in our players with the recent injuries, in seeing who can step up and manage the extra minutes,” said Leahy. When asked his thoughts on this weekend specifically, Leahy explained, “our confidence is right where it needs to be, as we are on a good roll, and look to continue to elevate our overall play.”

The three-game series starts tonight at 7:00 pm, at the Acord Ice Center, in West Valley City, Utah. Saturday’s game will be at 6:30 pm and Sunday at noon. Be sure to show your support in person, or online by visiting Blackdog Hockey. Team merchandise will be available for purchase during the games, so be sure to ask for your favorite Utah Outliers autograph when purchasing! #GoOutliers