Weekend Preview: Preds at Pueblo Bulls

Nov. 11-13, 2022 | Pueblo, CO.


The Preds hit the road for a weekend in Southern Colorado against Mountain Division foe Pueblo Bulls. The Bulls swept the Predators in a tight series in Provo last month and now the Predators look to rebound in their only trip to Pueblo this season.


Preds this Season

The Preds come into the weekend with a record of 3-11-0-0 and 4th in the Mountain Division (58th Overall). Provo will play Pueblo in three divisional games before facing Idaho Falls, Utah and Ogden. Last game: Vs. Idaho Falls Spud Kings (L 4-1).


Predators Historically

2022 is the first season of Preds hockey. Head coach Nick Dreyer is in his first season after previously coaching with the Ogden Mustangs (USPHL). While in Ogden, Dreyer oversaw the defense and penalty kill units. The Preds are in their third season as an organization after rebranding from the Riverblades. The assistant coaches are Jared Bussell and Ryan Wirth.


Pueblo Bulls this Season

The Bulls enter the weekend with a record of 10-6-1-0 and 3rd in the Mountain Division (30th Overall). Pueblo is in the midst of a nine-game homestand and will next play the Idaho Falls Spud Kings. Last game: Vs Northern Colorado Eagles (W 4-2).


Bulls Historically

2022 is the fourth season of Pueblo Bulls hockey. A successful program since their inaugural season, the Bulls earned 100+ victories in their first three seasons. Last season, the Bulls finished with a 20-26-1-2 record (4th Mountain Division). Pueblo fell to the Utah Outliers in the Mountain Division semifinals. The Bulls are coached by Chris Wilhite is now in his fourth season as Head Coach. Assistant coaches are Tyler Tuneberg, David Nelson and Austin Hoff.


All-time Series

Now in the third season of matchups, Friday will be the 22nd all-time meeting between the Preds and the Pueblo Bulls. The Bulls lead the all-time series 17-4-0. This is the fourth of seven matchups this season.


Players to Watch

For the Bulls, former Ogden Mustang Scott Bugarin leads the attack (11-13-24). Thomas Soucy is tied in goals scored with Bugarin (11-6-10). Second year forward Rylan Marcum, Ian Williams and Owen Ames are all tied with 13 points. Max Edvardsonn leads all defenseman with 8 points. Alex Timmons (5-4, 3.32 GAA, .920 SV%, 1 SO) is the #1 goaltender for Pueblo.


For the Preds, Yuri Ushakov (8-3-11), Darrien Cathey (3-5-8) and Misha Mshar (3-3-6) lead the Preds attack. Jackson Shaefer leads all defenseman with 2 points Bryson Stern (3-5, 3.66 GAA, .895 SV%) is the #1 goaltender for Provo.



Team Stats/Statistics/Other Player Notes: As of Nov. 10, 2022


Preds Special Teams Statistics (Divisional standings): 

Powerplay – 5/44 – 11.4% (5th) Penalty kill – 48/58 – 82.8% (4th)

Shorthanded Goals | For – 0 (T-3rd) | Against – 2 (5th)


Bulls Special Teams Statistics (Divisional Standings):

Powerplay – 11/65 – 16.92% (4th) Penalty kill – 60/77 – 77.92% (5th)

Shorthanded Goals | For – 2 (T-1st) | Against – 1 (T-2nd)



USPHL Info


Mountain Division Standings

Utah Outliers – 29 points (14-1-0-1)

Ogden Mustangs – 25 points (12-3-0-1)

Pueblo Bulls – 21 points (10-6-1-0)
Northern Colorado Eagles – 18 points (9-6-0-0)
Provo Preds – 6 points (3-11-0-0)

Idaho Falls Spud Kings – 5 points (2-15-0-1)


Overall USPHL Standings – Top 10

Richmond Generals – 33 points (16-4-1-0)

Charlotte Rush – 30 points (14-3-1-1) 

Utah Outliers – 29 points (14-1-0-1)

Fresno Monsters – 29 points (14-3-1-0) 

Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights – 28 points (14-4-0-0)

Potomac Patriots – 27 points (13-4-1-0) 

Carolina Jr. Hurricanes – 26 points (13-4-0-0)

Ogden Mustangs – 25 points (12-3-0-1)

Hampton Roads Whalers – 25 points (12-9-0-1)
Minnesota Squatch – 24 points (12-2-0-0)

This weekend’s Mountain Division matchups

Provo Preds at Pueblo Bulls (Fri - Sun)

Idaho Falls Spud Kings at Ogden Mustangs (Friday)
Northern Colorado Eagles at Ogden Mustangs (Saturday)

Northern Colorado Eagles at Utah Outliers (Fri & Sun)
Idaho Falls Spud Kings at Utah Outliers (Saturday)


Keys to the Game:


Stay Out of The Penalty Box

The Preds will find their best game staying away from the extracurricular activity with the Bulls and staying out of the penalty box. The Preds have the engine to drive play 5-on-5 but falling behind due to killing penalties typically ends in disaster for visiting teams.

Defense First

The Bulls are currently averaging 4.76 goals per game while the Preds are -39 in scoring differential. The Preds will need to force the play away from their own and forcing turnovers to disrupt the Bulls offense while in from of a notoriously raucous crowd.


Go Preds!

#JoinTheHerd | @ProvoPreds