Outliers Stunned in Late Turnaround Loss

PARK CITY, UT — The Park City Outliers (10-5-0-0) fell 5-4 at home to the Vernal Oilers (7-4-1-1-1) on Sunday night, surrendering two goals in the final 10 minutes.

To assistant coach Yuri Ushakov momentum and cohesion slipped away at the wrong time. He said, “I think our energy died a little bit. Our communication wasn’t there, and I feel like we had more jump in the first 30 or so minutes, and then we got a little complacent.”

Outshot over the final two periods 29-21, the Outliers offensive production waned, and the effect on the defense resulted in the game-winning goal crossing the line with just 1:39 left on the clock.

“We have to be a little bit stronger on pucks, especially in the corners,” Ushakov continued. “I believe our defense are skilled enough to do enough and produce in the offensive zone, we just gotta clean up the back end a little bit.”

Taking three separate one-goal leads, Park City’s offense surged in the form of two goals and an assist for forward Chris Lundie, a score from Burke Newton, Hank Hughes’ third period snipe, and a two-for-six line on the powerplay.

Allowing Vernal to score on three of its six man-advantage opportunities, Ushakov highlighted how a potent offense still needs stalwart defense. He explained, “Our powerplay is working, we’re getting goals, but we know that’s working for us. If we can minimize the chances the other team gets, I think we’ll have a better outcome.”

Park City next hits the road for Rock Springs on Friday before flipping rinks on Saturday to host the Miners at 7:05 p.m. at the Black Rock Mountain Event Center. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.pcoutliers.com/tickets.