After winning back-to-back Premier National Championships, the Vernal Oilers have made the jump this season from USPHL Premier to the National Collegiate Development Conference and tonight is their season opener. The Vernal Oilers and McCall Smokejumpers are joining the Casper Warbirds, Park City Outliers, and Rock Springs Miners in the West Conference Mountain Division. The NCDC Season Preview of the Vernal Oilers shares that the Oilers expect their offensive depth, defensive structure and goaltending to translate to the Tier II level. Jordan Trakosas, Brett Holman and Jack Tidsbury are among the returning players expected to take on larger roles…The move to the NCDC has also allowed Vernal to attract additional talent and strengthen its organizational operations, including an enhanced game-day experience for its fans. “We expect to win every time we take the ice,” shares General Manager David Imonti. “While perfection isn’t a reality, it’s what we strive for night in and night out. It’s the culture we’ve built in Vernal, and even though the league has changed, the goal remains the same.” Don’t miss the Vernal Oilers making history as they take the ice tonight for their first official NCDC game to open the 2026–27 season. The Oilers are on the road against the Casper Warbirds at 7pm. Watch live on Black Bear TV.
Photos: VernalOilers.com