RENEGADES PREPARE FOR TULSA RAMPAGE!!!

After a long week of practice, the Renegades travel to Tulsa, OK to take on the Rampage at the Oilers Ice Center.  The first road trip of the year is always tough, but the Tulsa road trip is tougher for two reasons:

1.) You have a time-zone change.  This means that arriving at 4:00 Mountain is 5:00 Central.  Time management is a necessity.  Players have to plan out how to sleep on the bus and then actually sleep.  It is part of the rigors of junior hockey that prepare a player for the collegiate level.

2.) Tulsa traditionally schedules their Friday game at 5:30, way earlier than anyone else.  This means to arrive at 3:30 PM Central (2:30 Mountain) you have to leave by 2:30 AM.  Remember, the players still have to get to the hotel, check-in, take a nap and grab some food, not to mention practice Thursday before they leave.  Also, some of the Renegades are still in high school or attend their college classes part-time in person (I was luck to go on-line last year).  That makes for a long day and a tough schedule.

Away from the logistics and let's breakdown Tulsa.

They were off last weekend, but faced the Brahmas opening weekend of WSHL play.

Bobby Watson (#14) returns as a third-year veteran to the Rampage and is their offensive threat.  His stat lines were 2-2-4 in their Friday 5-2 win, 1-1-2 in their Saturday 5-3 loss, and 1-1 in their Sunday 5-2 win for a total of 4 Goals, 4 Assists and 8 points on the weekend.  He appears to be on a line with Jeff Lundberg who recorded 2 goals and 3 assists on the weekend.  Watson and Lundberg were seen all over the scoresheet and appear to be Tulsa's top offensive line.

Returning Tulsa 3-year veterans Travis Ringeman and Ty Smith did not appear all over the scoresheet, but are known for their stout defensive play, although they were both scratched from Sunday's game.

From the scoresheets, it appears Tulsa has one main scoring line, which could bode well for the Renegades.  Last season the Renegades were successful at holding Watson and former leading scorer Tom Whetsel off the scoresheet.  The 2009-10 Renegades normally played Tulsa close. 

The depth of the 2010-11 Renegades is key in picking up a Friday win.  The Renegades need to continue holding Watson off the scoresheet and neuturalize and trump Tulsa's top line.  If that is done, the Renegades next two offensive lines should put up some points.  It is up to New Mexico to protect their lead once they gain it.  If the Renegades play good two-way hockey and hustle, which seems to be the theme for the year, then New Mexico should come out on top.

If you are not traveling with the team, you can view WSHL league games on http://www.fasthockey.com/.  Occasionally the Rampage do not use FASTHockey, so if you cannot find the game go to http://www.tulsarampage.com/.

 Ride for the Brand!

UPDATE: PYLE OKAY!

Many of you have already heard about Captain DJ Pyle.

During Saturday's game, as he exited the ice, DJ pushed open a door by using the glass of it and cut an artery in his wrist.  He had to be transported to the hospital immediately and have surgery.

His surgery was successful and he is resting and recuperating.  He is expected to make a full recovery.

Our thoughts go out to DJ and the Pyle family, who are great supporters of the Renegades.  His family has made the trek every weekend from their home in Midland, TX to Pyle's games.  I don't mean just his home games...every game.  Whether it is Tulsa, Boulder or even Vegas they are there to support the team and the program.

Stay strong DJ!

Renegades End Opening Weekend 1-2; Learning Lessons for Tulsa

After opening their season with a win, the New Mexico Renegades lost 8-0 and 6-4 on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday's game was a rough one for the Renegades. The Renegades stood tough though and defended themselves physically.  Things just did not click. The Brahmas' top line took over the game and never looked back.

Sunday was different though.  The Renegades held a lead for a strong portion of the game, but once again the Brahmas' top line saved them.  New Mexico did not hold on for the victory.

Coach Peter Ambroziak had this to say about the weekend:

"Friday night was great.  We competed and battled for the win.  Saturday and Sunday we learned lessons though.  As a team, we need to learn to play with the lead and hold it. Friday showed what we can do, but Saturday and Sunday showed what we need to work on.  With a solid week of practice we will be ready to face Tulsa."

Overall, the opening weekend was a success.  A crowd was in attendance to watch the Renegades open with a win, and the boys learned what they need to do to win a weekend series.  It may be a cliche, but the Renegades are focusing on "Winning the first period" in Tulsa on Friday, and going from there.

Renegades Earn Friday Win; Focusing on Saturday Now!

The New Mexico Renegades fed off the electric atmosphere at Blades Multiplex Arena and battled for a 7-4 win over the visiting Texas Brahmas. 

New Mexico product Anthony Zarella notched the opening tally of the night, with local Brad Harris assisting.  Zarella then pumped another goal home to chase the Brahmas starting netminder from the crease.  ("Little Z" also won his fight on the night, and was an assist away from a Gordie Howe Hat Trick- not a bad for a '94) 

The Renegades did not stop though, Cody Miller put away the third goal of the period and newcomer Trevor McClary finished the Renegades 1st period looting with a mark of his own.  The Renegades ended the 1st up 4-2.

After intermission, the Brahmas came out flying and made a statement of their own, as their top line put up two to even the score at 4.

In heroic fashion, newly named captain DJ Pyle buried the Game Winning Goal as the Renegades pulled away.  Rookie Chris Thirion provided some cushion with a goal of his own, and Cody Miller tapped home a Garrett Phillips' home-run pass into the empty net to seal the deal.

Rookie netminder Brandon Loera should not be overlooked though.  In his junior debut, the young goaltender from California put forth a 22-save effort, with some timely stops, to bring home the "W".

The Renegades found scoring from 11 different players, with '92 Cody Miller leading the way with 3 points, while Anthony Zarella and DJ Pyle were next up with 2 points a piece.  Creighton Lay ended his junior debut with an assist, along with returner Jake Robertson and veteran Jonathan Voyles.  Veteran defenseman Matt Pipkins pitched in an assist while continuing to be a physical prescence on the ice and a leader in the locker room.

The Renegades return to action at 7:30 PM.  Get over to Blades early to get good seats, because the house was packed!

Renegades Prepare for Opening Weekend Battle!

The New Mexico Renegades are a little over 24 hours away from opening their regular season!  The Renegades will take on the Texas Brahmas at Blades Multiplex as they open up WSHL play.

The Brahmas went 1-2 against the Tulsa Rampage, in Tulsa, this past weekend.  Scoring was spread out between their top two lines, with the one player standing out on the scoresheet, Jordan Gnatkowsky, with a 3 point performance in the Saturday Brahma win.  The scores were two 5-2 losses (on Friday and Sunday) and a 5-3 (EN) win on Saturday.

The Brahmas are coached by Jeremy Law, who is no stranger to the WSHL.  Law led the Tucson Tilt and Forth Worth Texans, two of the better teams in WSHL history, a few seasons ago.  It is expected he will ice a competitive team.

The Renegades show no fear though, as they battled hard against the Tier II Mustangs of the NAHL while dominating the UNM ACHA team (they were stonewalled by goaltending coach Kevin Blair's son in the loss though).

The Renegades found solid production during pre-season from rookies Garrett Phillips, Chris Thirion and Spencer Archer.  Look for these forwards to terrorize the scoresheet along with veterans Jonny Voyles, DJ Pyle and Cody Miller.

Defensively, veteran Matt Pipkins continues to patrol the blueline with tenacity and put together a great pre-season along with rookies Creighton Lay and Mike O'Sickey.  Look for Brad Harris to be a physically imposing force.

In goal, Brandon Loera is settling into a rhythm in his first season of junior hockey, and with the defensive unit Bench Boss Peter Ambroziak recruited, Loera and his D-Men will find success.

Overall, excite fills the air as fans will get a look at a revamped Renegades roster!

BOOSTER CLUB HAVING PRE-GAME PARTY SATURDAY!

We will be meeting in the front of Blades at 4:30p before the Renegades game against the Texas Jr. Brahmas on Saturday, 9/25/10. There will be a grill there and we ask that participants bring a side-dish and some drinks, though some basic drinks (water, some soda) will be available. We will have some burgers and brats, so if you want something else, please feel free to bring that out to be put on the grill!!

Come on out and meet other Renegades fans, billets, and maybe some players...before the game! There is no place to sit in front of Blades, so we recommend you bring a chair if you'd like to take a load off while socializing and having fun!

We look forward to all our fans coming out to see the Renegades get their seond season off with an exciting weekend of hockey!

Let Them Eat Cake...PanCAKEs!!!

The NM Renegades players were out in full force, supporting youth players from Rio Rancho Soccer Club, as they attended a pancake & carwash fundraiser at the Rio Rancho Applebees on 528.

Players feasted on all-you-can-eat pancakes while their cars were being washed on Sunday morning.

Renegades Staff and Booster Club also attended and enjoyed the great breakfast.

Youth soccer players served customers their meals, refilled beverages and helped wash cars outside the restaurant.

Great job to Rio Rancho Soccer Club!

Renegades Spend Afternoon With Sponsor!

The Renegades beat the heat at Dairy Queen today! Players enjoyed ice cream and Orange julius' while they chatted with Dairy Queen customers.

Players handed out free tickets to next weekends home series, sometimes waving traffic into the busy restaurant for a chance to invite people! Autographed Renegades t-shirts were also given to customers who ordered key menu items.

Special thanks to Tony Otero and the Dairy Queen Staff who welcomed our players and gave them a chance to meet the community.

Are You Ready for Opening Night?

Join the Renegades for our exciting HOME OPENER against the Texas Jr. Brahmas this coming Friday, September 24th, 2010! Game time is 7:30 pm at Blades Multiplex, 801 Loma Colorado.

The Renegades are the most affordable entertainment in town, with tickets as little as

•$2/child (17 & under)

•$4/adult (18 & over)

•$3/military, police, firefighter or student (with ID)

Come cheer on your hometown team and hometown players as we start the 2010 season this weekend!

Friday, Sept 24th. Game time 7:30 pm

Saturday, Sept 25th. Game time 7:30 pm

Sunday, Sept 26th. Game time 2:30 pm

DQ GRILL & CHILL SUNDAY AFTERNOON!!!

TOMORROW Get down to the DQ Grill and Chill @ Noon to see your New Mexico Renegades!

Head to the DQ on Southern to hang out with the Renegades and get your AUTOGRAPHS, meet the coaching and front office staff and enjoy FROZEN FROSTY TREATS!

DQ's address is:

2116 Southern Blvd SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124-3728

(505) 994-2044

RIDE FOR THE BRAND!

Rockwall's Finest Continue to Sign With Renegades! Chris Thirion Inks A Deal!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the addition of power forward Chris Thirion to the line-up.

Thirion, of Rockwall, TX (along with current forward Garrett Phillips), is a big power forward.  He uses his physical prescence well.  Chris' favorite part of the game is imposing his will upon the opposing defensemen and punishing players for entering the corners with him.

Look for Thirion to make himself known on the top line with the Renegades as he tortures the WSHL Mid-West division. 

The acquisition of Thirion strengthens the Renegades line-up tremendously as New Mexico looks to rise to the top of the division.  Through playing a tough, physical game with a combination of finesse and puck possession, the Renegades will throw up big numbers in the win column.

Welcome to Rio Rancho Chris!

RENEGADES SIGN TWO MORE!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the return of Jake Robertson (Boulder, CO-New Mexico Renegades WSHL) and the addition of Spencer Archer (San Jose, CA-San Jose Sharks U18 AA).

Robertson began the 2009-10 season with the Boulder Bison and was a trade-deadline pick-up for the New Mexico Renegades.  He came to the team with a chip on his shoulder and showed it in Rio Rancho when the Renegades battled against the Bison.  He had a goal, assist and fight in the series and, despite his smaller stature, threw his body around the rink.  His junior experience helps lead the rookie core.

Spencer Archer, on the other hand, enters his first season in the junior ranks.  Archer is a big, strong centerman who plays an all-around game.  Archer does a great job imposing his physical prescence upon opponents and loves to score goals.  He possesses a great hockey background, having played for the top ranked San Jose Sharks organization while also spending time at the nation's premiere hockey factory, Shattuck St. Mary's.

SIDE NOTE: On Sunday, September 19, the New Mexico Renegades will relocate their hideout to the Dairy Queen of Rio Rancho to sign autographs and hand out tickets to the weekend opener.  The entire team will be on hand, so stop by to get some tickets, ice cream and autographs.

RENEGADES TAKE POSITIVE FROM PRE-SEASON

The New Mexico Renegades are taking only the positive from their pre-season schedule.  Despite the 0-2 record, Coach Ambroziak, the veterans and the fans noticed an incredible amount of potential for the 2010-11 squad.

Saturday evening the Renegades played the Tier II New Mexico Mustangs.  The final score was 6-0, but the Renegades dominated a portion of the game.  The Renegades outshot the Mustangs 8-2 in the first ten minutes of play and Anthony "Little Z" Zarella had a solid fight.  The score does not indicate the quality of the game, as three goals were score on the powerplay.  Goaltender Brandon Loera was solid in net as he made 40 saves.

The Renegades got to sleep quickly because they had an 11 AM game against the UNM Ice Wolves.  The Renegades started out sluggish, and UNM capitalized on the opportunity.  Goals came from Chris Thirion, Spencer Archer and Garrett Phillips. 

The Renegades were down 2-1 after the first half, then 3-1, but fought back to 4-3.  After killing a 5-on-3 the Renegades just could not find the equalizer.  Andrew Blair, Goaltender Coach Kevin Blair's son and an NCAA transfer, was in net for UNM and stole the game.

Veteran Matt Pipkins said "Overall, a great start to the season.  Even though it was 2 losses it was great to see us clicking already.  The intensity level and work ethic is very high"

Superfan and Billet Coordinator Rob Vitek said, "I think what was the most important aspect of the game was having an opportunity to get some game play in for the Mustangs after a long 5 weeks of practice. It will do nothing but help them. A Thanks should go out to all the Renegades Staff and players for stepping up and playing the Mustangs with 4 days of practice under them, thats guts! Also, thanks should go to the Mustangs Players and organization for giving us the opportunity to play them."

Kono Signs With Renegades!!!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the signing of Ray Kono ('91-Morgan Hill, CA).

Kono is a physical force, whose style of play works great in the WSHL.  Ray uses his physical force to punish opponents.  He does not care how large the person is; Every player who battles in the corners with Ray regrets it.

Coach Ambroziak and the Renegades expect Kono to bring that same attitude into the 2010-11 season.  Kono's blue-collar work ethic and hard shot will be a force to deal with in the WSHL and the Renegades are glad to have him on their team, rather than play against him.

Welcome to Rio Rancho Ray!

RENEGADES TO PLAY EXHIBITION SCHEDULE THIS WEEKEND!

The games are official and the New Mexico Renegades will play pre-season games again.  This weekend the Renegades will battle against the New Mexico Mustangs (NAHL) and the University of New Mexico Ice Wolves (ACHA).

Saturday, the Renegades will face off against the Mustangs, a Tier II program that begins its first season of play, at Blades Multiplex Arena.  The puck drops at 7:15 PM.  This will be a great test for the Renegades, as they scrimmage a NAHL team, while providing exposure for the players.

The Renegades turn around and scrimmage the Ice Wolves on Sunday at 11 AM at The Outpost in Alberquerque.  The Ice Wolves are a collegiate non-varsity team that competes in the ACHA.  UNM had a great season last year, as they were recognized in the top 10.  This is a great opportunity for Renegade players considering staying in the area to continue their academic and athletic interests.

The schedule is designed to continue testing the mental strength and desire of the New Mexico Renegades.  Recently, the boys began practicing at 5 AM and now they will play two games against older competition in a span of 18 hours.  The work they put in now will pay off on Sundays of the WSHL 3-game weekends and in February.  Expect great accomplishments out of the Renegades this season.

Go Renegades!

HELP THE RENEGADES OF RIO RANCHO!!!

Are you looking to advertise your business?

Internet advertising is a great way to reach a wide range of potential and current customers/clients!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to offer advertising and sponsorship opportunities through their blog for an unbelievably low price!  The revenue from this blog will help build our scholarship fund and purchase items for the junior program!

For more information, contact Peter Ambroziak at Peter@NMRenegades.com!

RENEGADES REGAIN RETURNER! VOYLES SIGNS!

Hot off the press, the New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the signing of Jonny Voyles ('92-New Mexico Renegades WSHL)!

Voyles was a late addition to the 2009-10 Renegades squad.  He came in for a try-out near the roster freeze and got the call-up from the Odessa Jackalopes U18 program.  Voyles earned his spot by utilizing his blazing speed and on-ice tenacity.

The cup of coffee he received at the junior level did not quench his thirst though. Jonny wanted more.  He dedicated his off-season to doing everything the professional players who surrounded him did.  He showed up at July Camp stronger and faster than ever.  He ended up receiving a North American league opportunity with the New Mexico Mustangs after demonstrating his improvement in every facet of the game.

After a long try-out, in which he racked up points and won another fight, there was a mutual agreement that he should begin his season with the Renegades and see where he can go from there.  Due to his age, there is no need for Voyles to jump through hoops, he has time on his side.

This season, look for Voyles to be not only a points leader, but a team leader as well.  His work ethic and passion for the game rubs off on others, and this is only the beginning of a successful hockey career.

Welcome back Jonny!

AMBROZIAK ARRESTED...FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

Peter Ambroziak will be arrested on September 23 at 11 AM, but with good reason. 

Ambroziak is participating in a fundraiser for "Jerry's Kids".  This group supports and aids MD (Muscular Dystrophy) research, while providing social opportunities for children with MD.

Ambroziak's bail is set at $1000 and he will be locked up until he can meet bail.  The New Mexico Renegades urge you to make tax-deductible donations to the "Jerry's Kids" to support a great cause.

More information can be found at the following web site: Peter Ambroziak MDA  and you can continue to follow the blog.  We will provide updates about the event.

COLORADO PIPELINE CONTINUES!! RENEGADES SIGN BRIAN RATKOWSKI!!

The New Mexico Renegades are pleased to announce the signing of Defenseman Brian Ratkowski of Colorado.

This left handed defenseman was in search of a junior opportunity close to home and came into camp relatively unknown.  He had two days to showcase himself and he did just that.  He is a young defenseman ('92 birth-year) who moves the puck well while playing a strong defensive game.  Ratkowski used his 6'1" 180 lbs. frame to hold his own with the older and stronger veterans.

In the end, Coach Ambroziak offered this pleasant surprise a contract to play the 2010-11 season with the New Mexico Renegades of the WSHL.

Congratulations Brian and welcome to New Mexico!

Renegades Land Defenseman Vince DiTirro!!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce another Defensive signing out of Colorado in Blueliner Vince DiTirro!

Coach Ambroziak expects his Colorado Pipeline to pay off.  DiTirro, who played for Arvada Major AA last season, is a smart defenseman with the ability to quarterback the Powerplay.  He does not limit himself to his offensive capabilities though. DiTirro prides himself in playing a responsible defensive game during even strength situations.  The Renegade staff expects DiTirro to log a good share of ice time in his rookie season and contribute quickly.

Congratulations Vince and welcome to the Renegades!