The Park City Outliers completed a three-goal comeback to defeat the Vernal Oilers 5-4 on October 17 in Vernal, Utah. Down two goals midway through the third period, the Outliers scored three times in one minute and 28 seconds to secure the victory.
Forward Burke Newton recorded the first and final goals of the game to lead the scoring with four total points. Newton, a second-year player, noted that the team found energy on the bench to bounce back after a two-week scoring drought. Head coach Richard Bohan described Newton as one of the hardest working players on the team and noted his development since last season.
The comeback included scoring from Grant Barksdale, Jonathan Lee, and Newton. Newton credited his chemistry with Barksdale, noting they previously played together on the Team Alaska 14U squad. Additionally, rookie Hank Hughes scored a second-period power play goal assisted by Newton and captain Erick Bachtle. Bachtle extended his point streak to eight games, while Hughes extended his streak to seven games.
Defenseman Logan Fessenden contributed three assists, aiding the scores by Newton, Lee, and Newton's game-winning goal. The Outliers (7-1-0-0) moved forward following the win over the Oilers (3-3-1-1).
The Outliers are an elite U-20 junior hockey club. Junior hockey is considered the highest level of amateur hockey in North America.
The Outliers will return to play on Friday for a rematch against the Casper Warbirds. The game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the Black Rock Mountain Event Center.
