Even though Evan Stringer hadn’t planned on playing for the USPHL’s Vernal Oilers this season, he’s definitely glad it all worked out that way.

Now in his second season in the USPHL after playing the 2022-23 season for the Northern Colorado Eagles, the Fort Collins native is fitting in nicely with the Utah-based Oilers.

“I wasn’t originally planning on playing for Vernal, but I was cut from a team and I was lucky enough that Vernal gave me the opportunity to come play for them,” Stringer said. “I was interested in playing for Vernal because I know their track record for the last couple of seasons and it impressed me. I also spoke to some guys on the team before I signed and they had nothing but good things to say about the program and the coaching staff.

“This is my first year living away from my home and it has been a bit of a adjustment period, but it’s been a great experience.”

Stringer has played hockey since he was three years old and said he has his parents to thank for that.

“My dad has always liked hockey and has helped get the whole family into it,” said Stringer. “I grew up watching the Avs and the Eagles so they definitely had a big role in fueling my obsession with hockey.”

Once he took to the ice, Stringer played for the Colorado Jr. Eagles until he was 12 and then moved up to AAA hockey with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders before going to the USPHL last season.

“While I was with the Jr. Eagles, my coach Scott Swanson was a huge influence for me,” said Stringer. “He was one of my first coaches and he has had a lasting impact on how I view how a coach should be. When I was 13, I wanted to play at a higher level, so I went and played for the RoughRiders. I played there four seasons until my 16U season. While I was there, I had lots of coaches and mentors , but I really have to thank my goalie coaches Mark Sample and Timm Lorenz for helping me progress in my hockey career. I played my first year of juniors last season and I had a blast. My coach Steve Haddon really helped me excel and he gave me the opportunity to prove myself.

“The one thing I will remember about playing hockey in Colorado is the the amount of high-level hockey players the state produces. Colorado is a great place to have a chance to play at a high level and have the opportunity to advance your hockey career.”

Looking ahead, Stringer has reasonable milestones he hopes to reach, on and off the ice.

“My short-term goals for hockey are to move up in junior level and to play high-level college hockey,” Stringer said. “My school goals are to study sports medicine because I want to be able to help athletes and stay in the hockey business as long as I can.”

Photo/Vernal Oilers

— Matt Mackinder

(November 30, 2023)