The Vernal Oilers have cemented their place atop the USPHL Premier, capturing their second consecutive national championship with a 6-4 victory over the Fresno Monsters on Sunday at the Ice Vault in Wayne, N.J.

With the win, Vernal becomes back-to-back champions, continuing a dominant run that has defined the program over the past two seasons.

In the first period, the Oilers took a 1-0 lead with Jack Treacy scoring at 15:51.

In the second period, Vernal kept on the attack scoring three unanswered goals with Maximillian Enge-Kristiansen, Logan Powers, and Roni Alanko for a 4-0 lead. Jonathan Anderson got the Monsters on the scoresheet at 11:20 in the middle frame. Nearing the end of the second, Vernal netted another goal to extend their lead to 5-1 with Hugo Johansson scoring.

In the third, the Monsters went on a run to make things interesting. Filipp Papshev, Nils Tunbratt (power-play goal), and Addrian Gomez all scored, making it a 5-4 score. With under a minute remaining, Treacy netted his second of the game to seal the win for Vernal, 6-4.

Vernal outshot Fresno 50-42 in a fast-paced, high-scoring final, showcasing the offensive depth and resilience that powered them through the tournament.

Oilers goalie Noah Pfab made 38 saves, while Monsters netminder Noah Hammarstrom stopped 44 shots.

Vernal forward Brayden Boucher was named the USPHL Premier Nationals MVP. Over five games at nationals, Boucher posted nine points with six goals and three assists, including four two-point games.

The Oilers finished the regular season with a 42-2-0 record, good for 84 points.

The victory marks another milestone for the Oilers, who entered nationals as defending champions and once again proved they are the team to beat on the biggest stage.

SEMIFINALS – March 28

Vernal Oilers 6, Hampton Roads Whalers 0
The Vernal Oilers delivered a dominant, wire-to-wire performance, shutting out the Hampton Roads Whalers 6-0. Vernal struck twice in each period and never let up, controlling play throughout while outshooting Hampton Roads 31-27. Brayden Boucher led the way with two goals, while Sam Bailey, Roni Alanko, Zach Baumann, and Brett Holman each added one in a balanced offensive effort.

Fresno Monsters 5, Northern Cyclones 3
The Fresno Monsters pulled away late to earn a 5-3 win over the Northern Cyclones. After a scoreless first period, Fresno built a 2-1 lead in the second before both teams traded goals in a high-scoring third. Fresno netted three in the final frame to secure the win, with five different goal scorers contributing. Northern pushed with 43 shots on goal, but Fresno capitalized on their chances to come out on top.

Photo/USPHL

— USPHL Staff

(March 30, 2026)