JACKSON, Wyo. – The Jackson Hole Moose will have their work cut out for them this weekend as they host the Portland Legends Friday and Saturday night.
The Moose come off a sweep of Park City last weekend where the club showed some signs of rust coming off a long off-season.
“We were a little but rusty, a little choppy,” coach Howie Carruth admitted. “But we had a good skate on Wednesday (practice) and the power play is coming around. I think you’ll see a more cohesive unit this weekend.”
Portland should be a tough opponent for Jackson. Carruth said he recognized a few names on the roster including former NHLer Paul Gaustad who spent over a decade in the league with the Buffalo Sabres and Nashville Predators before retiring from professional hockey in 2016. The 37-year-old now makes his home in Portland where he began his hockey career with the Portland Winter Hawks in 1999.
The Moose are also dealing with a few early-season injuries. The good news is, Defensemen Sage Welch (shoulder) and Brad Improta (knee) are back in the lineup this weekend. So is team captain Brian Upesleja. The bad news is Jackson will be without forwards Derek Akins (finger) and Donny O’Brien (ankle).
Portland Legends vs. Jackson Hole Moose, Snow King Sports and Event Center. Music by Sneaky Pete and the Secret Weapons. Doors 7:00 p.m., puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
