September 15, 2012
Salt Lake City, Utah
The 2012-2013 season is only 13 days away for the University of Utah Skatin’ Utes, who have been practicing for the past couple of weeks in preparation for their opener at against BYU on September 28th. Although the Utes have lost fromer captain Michael Vrtis to graduation, the Utes seem to have reloaded and are poised for another run to the postseason.
With the additions of new forwards and defensemen, the Utah offense looks more explosive with all four offensive lines competing for ranks within the team. Utah mainstays like Ben Seastrand and the Bertagnolli brothers (Beau and Shaymus) have looked impressive along with newcomers Mike Monument, Chase McDonald, and Zeph Fagergren which are all contributing to an already high-powered offense. One of the main flaws from last year’s team was the Utes’ inability to score goals in key situations. After two weeks of practice, the offense has seen a higher productivity in goal scoring as well as an overall swagger on the ice.
While the offense has been impressive in practice, the defensemen and goalies are looking good as well. The core of last year’s defense returns with Colton McDonald and Ryan Huras leading the charge, but returnees James Wilt and Dean Wilson along with several new freshmen look primed for a great season as well. Goaltending looks solid again as well with both Pete Gibb and Oliver Freij returning from last year and performing well along with incoming freshman Devan Betts.
Utah opens the season September 28th and 29th with home games against BYU and Weber State. Tickets for both games are available at skatinutes.com.
