Oilers break USPHL win streak record

by Bruce Tippets
BTippets@cherryroad.com 

The Vernal Oilers are now in the record books for the second time this season.

Vernal broke the most consecutive victories in the United States Premier Hockey League with 31. 

The Oilers record-setting victory came in an 11-3 victory over the Iron County Yeti at the Uintah County Western Park. 

The prior win streak of 30 games was held by the 2023-24 eventual national champion Connecticut Jr. Rangers. 

“Breaking the record is good,” Oilers owner and general manager David Imonti said. “It still doesn’t change our ultimate goal of winning the national championship. It puts Vernal on the map. It’s pretty cool to see such a small community represented at a high level.”

Vernal also set the record for the best winning streak from the start of season with 21 wins. 

The old record was held by both the 2019-20 Islander Hockey Club and the 2021-22 Metro Jets. 

“We have always known we are going to be a good team and win the division again,” said Imonti. “I think that we have exceeded our own expectations. In our first season our goal was to make it to nationals and not get embarrassed. We are now expecting to go back but to have a serious chance to win is pretty cool.”

The Oilers are ranked No. 1 in the USPHL standings, while the Seattle Totems is No. 2. 

Vernal and Seattle both play in the same division. 

“It’s going to be hard to get out of our division,” Imonti said. “Seattle is a pretty tough opponent and they continually are getting better. That is good. It keeps us chasing it and keeps it on our toes for sure.”

The Oilers have 13 games left in the regular season. 

“We just have to keep doing what we have been doing,” said Imonti. “It’s not a secret that we might be stronger than our opponents that we are facing the rest of the way. We are trying to give everyone opportunities to get them game time so we can be prepared. You never know what is going to happen in the playoffs. It will be a team effort when it comes to that point. It’s not like it will be one guy or one line to carry us. We need everyone firing on all cylinders to make it work.”

All-stars

Vernal’s Roni Alanko, Kasper Pohjala, Marek Mraz, Levente Hegedus and head coach Ryan Howse were selected to participate in the 2025 USPHL all-star game Jan. 27-28 in Foxboro, Ma. 

“I think that we have many more that could play,” Imonti said. “We have 15 guys who are all-star caliber players. We can’t hog the spotlight and I get that.”

Alanko led the Oilers attack in their last game with three goals and one assist. 

“Roni and Kasper are special players at this level,” said Imonti. “They dominate when they want to dominate. It’s pretty special to have them here. Marek is going to be a great addition for us.”

Hegedus can make a claim he is the No. 1 goal in the entire USPHL. 

“I can’t say enough good things about Levente,” said Imonti. 

Imonti knows the Oilers are lucky to have Howse be the head coach. 

“Ryan has done a tremendous job and I think he is the best coach in the league,” Imonti said. “We were very fortunate that we have him. It’s no secret he should be working at a higher level but loves Vernal and we love him.”