By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
The Utah Outliers are coming back with a veteran-laden lineup for the 2024-25, in hopes of making that next step towards being a Dineen Cup Champion. They fell just shy of going east to the Dineen Cup finals last year after falling in a close series to the Ogden Mustangs, but Head Coach Paul Taylor’s team has several cagey veterans who are hungry for redemption.
“I had a great season overall with the Outliers, I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and peaceful town compared to a faster Los Angeles. The people of Salt Lake City made it a really easy transition coming to Utah. We made it to the Mountain division final this past season but came up a bit short. I’m looking forward to going back and getting another shot at a title,” said Michael Schwartz, a returning player who saw time at both forward and defense for the Outliers in 2023-24. “Utah really became my home this past season and I felt like the Outliers truly brought out the best in me, whether it was on ice or off ice. I’m deciding to re-sign with the Outliers this upcoming season to win the Dineen Cup. I feel that we have the right people to get the job done and can’t wait to get to work!”
With the Outliers, Schwartz rang up 13 goals and 24 points in 43 regular season games, and also scored a pair of goals over their seven playoff games. He is looking to improve on those already impressive first-year numbers here in 2024-25.
“A big part of my game I am looking to take to the next level is becoming more of a consistent goal-scorer. Last season, although I took part in multiple game-winning goals, I would like to see myself put the puck in the net on a more consistent basis,” said Schwartz. “This [past] year in Utah, I was able to develop a different understanding for the game. Towards the end of the year I was able to play a way more well-rounded game in every zone.”
The NCDC, he believes, is certainly the right league in which to keep pushing his game to NCAA hockey readiness.
“I thoroughly enjoy playing in the NCDC as it offers tough competition night in and night out, a well rounded division meaning anyone can beat anybody, and a great way to get exposure to high-end NCAA schools,” Schwartz added.
He has kept an open mind while he has been in conversation with different college hockey coaching staffs over the last year.
“I have spoken to a couple colleges this past season but I am keeping my options open. I am looking for a college that can further my education as well as strengthen my skills as a player to help me achieve my goals of potentially playing pro,” he said.
He is hoping to continue to show NCAA coaching staffs how much he can help a team, while also putting on a good show for the greatly loyal Utah Outliers fan base.
“I had a great time this season with the Utah Outliers. Everyone in Salt Lake City welcomed me with open arms and became family very quickly,” Schwartz said. “The Outliers have second to none facilities, an even better staff, and of course the best fan base in the West.”
The NCDC wishes Michael Schwartz and the Utah Outliers the best of luck in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
