Midwest Division Schedule Breakdown

Dallas Snipers

First Game: September 22 @ Tulsa

After finishing sixth in the Midwest Division last season, the Snipers will be looking to come out of the gate on a high note and set the tone for improvement this season.

Home Opener: October 6 vs. El Paso

Dallas finished 0-6 against the Rhinos last season but almost managed to pull out an upset in their second-to-last meeting, losing by a single goal.

Key Stretch: Feb 16-25

Dallas will face a tough two-week stretch on the road against the Blazers and Rhinos. As the teams hit the final stretch of the season, this will be the ultimate measuring stick of how far Dallas has come this season.

Out-of-Division Games: October 13-15 @ Superior

Dallas only plays one out-of-division series against the Superior RoughRiders. The last meeting between the two came during the 2015 Western States Shootout, with Superior coming out on top.

El Paso Rhinos

First Game: October 6 @ Dallas

The Rhinos haven’t had many issues with the Snipers in previous seasons and look to keep that up this year as well.

Home Opener: October 27 vs. San Diego

The Rhinos were in California last season to take on the Sabers, sweeping the series by a combined score of 22-2.

Key Stretch: Dec 8-Jan 14

The Rhinos will be facing a tough test before and after the holidays with the Blazers scheduled on either end of the Western States Shootout.

Out-of-Division Games: Oct 12-14 @ Las Vegas; Oct 27-29 vs. San Diego; Nov 3-5 vs. Superior; Dec 1-3 vs. Phoenix

With 12 games outside of the Midwest Division, the Rhinos will be looking to use these as a launchpad in the standings.

Oklahoma City Jr. Blazers

First Game/Home Opener: September 22 vs. Wichita

The Blazers looks for a bit of revenge against the Thunder after getting knocked out by defending Thorne Cup champs in the playoffs last season.

Key Stretch: Nov 22-Dec 17

Oklahoma City will have 12 games against Wichita, El Paso, and Springfield before heading into the Western States Shootout.

Out-of-Division Games: Oct 20-22 vs. Superior; Nov 10-12 @ Cheyenne

The RoughRiders continue their play against the Midwest Division before the Blazers will head up to Wyoming to take on head coach Gary Gill’s former team in the Stampede.

Springfield Express

First Game/Home Opener: September 29 vs. Wichita

The Express split every series against the defending Thorne Cup champions, going 4-5 against the Thunder last season. Their last meeting was a 5-4 win over Wichita, just before the champs began their historic run.

Key Stretch: Nov 24-Dec 17

Springfield faces nine straight games against El Paso and Oklahoma City in the weeks before the Western States Shootout.

Out-of-Division Games: Oct 13-15 vs. Colorado; Oct 27-29 @ Superior

Colorado’s dominance of the Mountain Division has made for a tough test for any team. With the Eagles visiting Missouri so early in the season, the Express have a prime opportunity to gain some early points against a top opponent.

Tulsa Jr. Oilers

First Game/Home Opener: September 22 vs. Dallas

With new ownership and a clean slate this season, the Oilers and head coach Marty Magers will have a huge chance to start the season on the right step at home.

Key Stretch: The month of December

Tulsa’s schedule looks to be one of the toughest in the Midwest this season. In December, Tulsa will take on Dallas once again, Colorado, and Wichita, before heading to the Western States Shootout.

Out-of-Division Games: Dec 8-10 vs. Colorado; Mar 2-4 vs. Casper

Tulsa drew the toughest out-of-division slate out of the teams in the Midwest, with both opponents finishing within the top four of the Mountain Division last season.

Wichita Jr. Thunder

First Game: September 22 @ Oklahoma City

With a majority of last year’s Cup-winning team aging out last season, a season-opening series against OKC will be the ultimate measuring stick for this year’s team and head coach Rob Weingartner.

Home Opener: October 6 vs. Cheyenne

In their first home game since winning the Thorne Cup, the Thunder will take on the Stampede. In a three-game series last season, Wichita swept Cheyenne by a total score of 27-7.

Key Stretch: Feb 16-Mar 4

Wichita faces a tough stretch to the playoffs, finishing their regular season with six games against the Rhinos, and three against OKC.

Out-of-Division Games: Oct 6-8 vs. Cheyenne; Oct 13-15 @ Casper

Wichita draws both Wyoming teams this season. Sweeping Cheyenne last season, the Thunder take on Casper for the first time since getting shutout 7-0 at the