The Uintah Basin has hockey fever with the Vernal Oilers winning the National Championship. Businesses in Vernal and Roosevelt have displayed their Oilers spirit and citizens showed up in force lining Highway 40 to welcome them home. The Oilers shared their gratitude for the support in a statement on Thursday: “It’s been a week that everyone associated with our club will never forget, and one that makes the past four seasons worthwhile. It isn’t easy being the smallest market club in a 73 team, nationwide league that has us recruiting against coastal destinations like Florida and California, or hockey hotbeds in Michigan, Minnesota, and New England. But Vernal is a special place… One that loves our players like they are their sons, and shows up to support us no matter the opponent, night in and night out. We know Vernal has our back, no matter what, and you cannot imagine the sense of pride and excitement when we pulled into town for a championship parade Tuesday… It was an experience that will be cherished forever…Because of all your support, Vernal is now a hockey town, and a destination for young men chasing their dreams both in hockey and life.” The league is now in its off season but the Oilers organization will be ready when play starts up again as they have a National Championship to defend.
