Weekend Preview: Preds vs Spud Kings, Outliers

Nov. 19-20, 2022 | Provo, UT


The Preds return home from a wild weekend in Pueblo to celebrate Military Appreciation Night against the Idaho Falls Spud Kings and then follow up with a massive showdown with the Utah Outliers on Sunday.


Preds this Season

The Preds come into the weekend with a record of 4-13-0-0 and 5th in the Mountain Division (59th Overall). Provo has a daunting upcoming slate of games as they will face either Utah or Ogden in six of the next nine games. Last game: Vs. Pueblo Bulls (L 7-6).


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.




Idaho Falls Spud Kings this Season

The Spud Kings enter the weekend with a record of 2-18-0-1 and 6th in the Mountain Division (66th Overall). Idaho Falls is nearing the end of its extended road trip (25 consecutive away games) before the grand opening of Mountain America Center in December. Last game: Vs Utah Outliers (L 7-3).


Spud Kings Historically

2022 is the first season of Idaho Falls Spud Kings hockey. They join the USPHL Premier Mountain Division in their inaugural season. The Spud Kings are coached by Marty Quarters. The assistant coaches are Justin Biehl and Kevin Greene.


All-time Series

In the first season of matchups, Saturday will be the 3rd all-time meeting between the Preds and the Idaho Falls Spud Kings. The all-time series is tied 1-1-0. This is the third of ten matchups this season.



Utah Outliers this Season

The Outliers enter Sunday's contest with a record of 18-1-0-1 and 1st in the Mountain Division (2nd Overall). Utah took home a 7-3 victory over the visiting Spud Kings on Friday night and looks to extend their lead in the Mountain Division against the Preds on Sunday. Last game: Vs Idaho Falls Spud Kings (W 7-3).


Outliers Historically

2022 is the seventh season of Utah Outliers hockey. After rebranding and moving locations several times, it is the eleventh season in total for the franchise. Last season, the Outliers finished with a 38-6-4-1 record. The Outliers won their second consecutive Mountain Division championship before sputtering out of the National Tournament. The Outliers are coached by Paul Taylor who is now in his ninth season as Head Coach. The assistant coaches are Eric Verdi and Richard Bohan.


All-time Series

In the first season of matchups, Saturday will be the 21st all-time meeting between the Preds and Utah Outliers. The Outliers lead the all-time series 14-6-0. This is the fourth of ten matchups this season.





Players to Watch

For the Spud Kings, Shawn LeComte Jr. leads the attack (6-5=11). George Goodwin leads the team in goals scored (7-3=10). Griffin Gagnon and Jamir Wasil co-lead all defensemen with 1-5=6 points. Jeffrey Dreger (3-4-1-1, 3.18 GAA, .905 SV%) leads Idaho Falls in all major categories, however, the net is split between Dreger, Benjamin Di Fiore and Jude Ayling.

For the Outliers, Miles McCue leads the team in scoring (8-26=34). William Cohen leads the team in goals scored (17-13=30). Magnus Einarson leads all defensemen with 4-18=22 points. Marco Felicetti (7-1, 2.36 GAA, .907 SV%, 1 SO) is the #1 goalie for the Outliers.


For the Preds, Yuri Ushakov (9-5=14), Darrien Cathey (3-8=11) and Misha Mshar (3-4-7) lead the Preds attack. Jackson Shaefer leads all defensemen with 4 points. Bryson Stern (3-5, 4.14 GAA, .869 SV%) is the #1 goaltender for Provo.




Team Stats/Statistics/Other Player Notes: As of Nov. 19, 2022


Preds Special Teams Statistics (Divisional standings): 

Powerplay – 6/52 – 11.5% (5th) Penalty kill – 52/64 – 81.3% (4th)

Shorthanded Goals | For – 0 (6th) | Against – 2 (6th)


Spud Kings Special Teams Statistics (Divisional Standings):

Powerplay – 7/69 – 10.1% (4th) Penalty kill – 56/87 – 64.4% (6th)

Shorthanded Goals | For – 1 (T-3rd) | Against – 1 (T-1st)


Outliers Special Teams Statistics (Divisional Standings):

Powerplay – 17/75 – 22.7% (2nd) Penalty kill – 57/63 – 90.5% (1st)

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




USPHL Info


Mountain Division Standings

Utah Outliers – 37 points (18-1-0-1)

Ogden Mustangs – 30 points (14-3-0-2)

Pueblo Bulls – 26 points (12-6-2-0)
Northern Colorado Eagles – 20 points (10-9-0-0)
Provo Preds – 8 points (4-13-0-0)

Idaho Falls Spud Kings – 5 points (2-18-0-1)


Overall USPHL Standings – Top 10

Richmond Generals – 37 points (18-4-1-0)

Utah Outliers – 37 points (18-1-0-1)

Charlotte Rush – 34 points (16-3-1-1) 

Fresno Monsters – 33 points (16-3-1-0) 

Ogden Mustangs – 30 points (14-3-0-2)

Connecticut Junior Rangers – 29 points (13-5-2-1)

Vernal Oilers – 28 points (14-0-0-0) 

Northern Cyclones – 28 points (14-1-0-0)

Toledo Cherokee – 28 points (14-2-0-0)

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


This weekend’s Mountain Division matchups

Provo Preds vs Idaho Falls Spud Kings (Sat)

Provo Preds at Utah Outliers (Sun)
Northern Colorado Eagles vs Ogden Mustangs (Fri-Sun)

Idaho Falls at Utah Outliers (Fri, Utah 7-3)
Pueblo Bulls (Idle)


Go Preds!

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