Renegades Land Randy Simpson!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the addition of Randy Simpson to their 2010-11 squad.

Randy joins the Renegades from Colorado and is a friend of current defenseman Matt Pipkins.

He is a big, strong defenseman with good wheels and a heavy shot.  Simpson is player with a bright future in the WSHL.  He did not attend the July Camp, but earned his spot on the team at Main Camp by competing fearlessly and showing why he deserved a contract.

Renegades fans should look for Simpson to earn regular shifts and become a force in the WSHL.  Peter Ambroziak believes that "Randy has a very bright future ahead of him".

Welcome to the Renegades Randy!

MAIN CAMP RECAP!!

After most of the boys received Saturday Evening off to perform community service at a local Gymnastics center, they were back at it Sunday to compete for spots.

White was obviously distraught with the Saturday thrashing and wound up earning the "W" with a 7-4 victory over Black.

• Leading the way in points was grizzled veteran Jonny Voyles with 5 pts. all assists. 
• Teammate Matt Pipkins showed a nice offensive side and put up 2 assists of his own as well. 
• Recently signed rookie rockstar Garrett Phillips notched a hatty while Chris Thirion netted 3 goals as well.
• Returner Julian Chavez buried one of his own too.

Of course Anthony "Little Z" Zarella had to redeem himself from his fight last year, and did just that, while Mike O'Sickey continued his intensity and fought as well.

Overall, camp was a success and Coach Ambroziak is busy rounding out the roster.  He has a lot of decisions to make based on performance.  This part of the job is never easy, as everyone came in with a great work ethic and a lot of respect.  Obviously the veterans are already doing a terrific job of leading the newcomers, which should continue through the season.

Look back later for another update, as we showcase a recently signed, highly skilled defenseman.

Renegades Continue Development System! Extend Contract Offers to Two Young New Mexico Players!

The New Mexico Renegades Youth Organization and Junior Team are proud to announce the signing of Brad Harris and Craig Parry to the Junior "A" Program.

Last year, the 1st New Mexico Tiered Youth Hockey Organization began play with teams from the Squirt to Midget level.  These teams played "AA" in the Sonoran Youth League and brought an opportunity hockey players in New Mexico had never received.  The goal of the youth program is to develop the potential hockey talent in New Mexico so they have the opportunity to move on to the Junior, College and Professional level. Coach Ambroziak is sticking with his mission and has signed Harris and Parry, who both played for the Renegades U18 AA team this past season.

Harris is another big, strong defenseman who uses his physical prescence to intimidate forwards.  He is a great penalty kill player.  Brad is not someone who makes fancy plays or takes risk.  He prides himself in making the responsible play and protecting his own end, much like Mike O'Sickey and Creighton Lay.  This seems to be the underlying theme of the 2010-11 Renegade Defensive Crew.

Parry (Santa Fe, NM), on the other hand, is another "Cody Miller" like player.  He possesses a lot of skill and can play either defense or offense.  His ability to play all positions is very valuable to the team, because every team goes through injuries and sickness.  Craig will have an opportunity to establish his prescence with the Renegades in multiple roles.  It will be exciting to see which role he chooses to play with the Renegades.

Congratulations to these two New Mexico bred players, along with Anthony Zarella, for seizing this opportunity for the 2010-11 season and welcome to Junior!

Renegades Land Garrett Phillips!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the signing of Garrett Phillips ('92-Rockwall HS).

Phillips is a skilled forward with great hands, natural playmaking ability and a deadly scoring touch.  He plays a strong finesse game that will terrorize WSHL goaltenders.

Phillips came into the July Camp a little unknown, but definitely impressed.  He possesses a deceptive shot that finds holes and corners against goaltenders.  Although he will be a rookie, the Renegades believe he has the ability to make an instant impact at the junior level.  With some work in the weight room and some gains in mass, Phillips will not remain in the WSHL for long.

Welcome to New Mexico Garrett!

FIRST MAIN CAMP SCRIMMAGE COMPLETE!! LOPSIDED WIN FOR BLACK!!

The 1st scrimmage of the day is complete and the results are in.  The Black team routed White and earned a 10-2 victory.  Many players had a standout game, including the following:

DJ Pyle continued to show his physical presence by crushing opponents, and chose none other than Mike O'Sickey to punish.  That upped O'Sickey's intensity because in the second half he worked a player in a fight.

Meanwhile, some of our offensive stars put together a great game.  Garret Phillips and Anthony Zarella combined for one of White Team's two goals, while Cody Miller lead the way for Black with 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points. 

Yet that was not the biggest surprise of the game, right behind Miller was defenseman Creighton Lay with a hat trick and an assist!  Lay showed an offensive prowess combined with a strong defensive prescence.  Everyone was very impressed.

Signed local Julian Chavez also had a goal, while incoming goaltender Brandon Loera shut down White Team for the shutout.

Coach Ambroziak had these words about camp:

“The intensity level picked up a lot from yesterday’s practice. There were a few kids who really stood out and I am excited about the season coming up.”

The Renegades will hit the ice again this evening!

CAMP BREAKS!!!

It's that time of year again.  Junior team across the country are finalizing their rosters and the New Mexico Renegades are among those.  Players battle this weekend for spots to round out the Renegades roster, while signed players play to keep their spot and move up the depth charts. 

This season, the Renegades will ice a high-intensity, physical team. All positions should be solidified within the next week.  Expect to see a team of competitors who will stop at nothing to win games.  The roster, littered with '92's, is made up of players looking to truly progress their game to the next level, whether it be Tier II Junior, ACHA or NCAA.

We will provide updates as camp goes on for the viewers to enjoy.

Go Renegades!

California's Loera Make Trek to Renegades!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce that goaltender Brandon Loera ('92-J Sierra Catholic) has signed with the Renegades.

The highly aggressive Californian goaltender showed up at the July Camp and impressed Coach Ambroziak and Coach Blair.  Although he is on the smaller side, he possesses great agility and a tenacity in net that helps goaltenders succeed.  He is not afraid to leave his crease and make plays to prevent scoring opportunities.  His fearless attitude earned him a Junior "A" contract

The Renegades look for Loera to compete for time in net with Ishmael while developing into a premier WSHL goaltender.  He is still very young and if he produces a solid season in net, he will attract Tier II attention by the end of the season.

Welcome to Rio Rancho Brandon!

Creighton Lay Pairs Up With the Renegades!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the addition of Creighton Lay ('93-Omaha Junior Lancers U18) to the program.

Coach Peter Ambroziak discovered Lay at the U18 National Tournament.  After the season, Pete was on the lookout for responsible defensive defensemen, and he found just that in Lay.  The Renegades coaching staff watched Lay play the entire tournament and after his showing at the July Camp, it was obvious he earned a spot.

Although Creighton is still very young, he is strong enough to compete physically at the junior level.  Expect Creighton to use his athleticism and size, along with his defensive attitude, to shutdown other teams top forwards.  Along with Mike O'Sickey, these two have the ability to shutdown any opposing forward on any night.

Welcome to the Renegades Creighton!

Young Local Signs! "Little Z" Moves Up to Junior "A" Renegades!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the addition of Anthony Zarella ('94-New Mexico Renegades U18) to the Junior "A" Squad.

While Zarella is still very young, he made a smooth transition from Bantam to Midget and was the leading scorer on his U18 team.  "Little Z", as he became known, actually tried out for the Junior team straight out of Bantam last summer and was one of the most impressive players on the ice. His do whatever-it-takes attitude to gain control of the puck and move up the ice is his greatest quality.  He competes every shift and is hungry to be the best.  He is known around the Renegades world for, at age 14, egging on and fighting a 20 year-old at the first Open Camp the Renegades held. 

Anthony was around the junior team all last season, and not only learned about junior hockey from his brother (who will focus on academics this season after another shoulder injury), but he practiced with the team multiple times.  Through dedication and persistence, Zarella received a weekend call-up due to a string of injuries and put on a show.  After throwing his body all around the ice, he set up a game-tying goal with a little "backhand sauce" for a one-timer, and then the next night recorded a goal of his own. 

The Renegades know Anthony will continue to possess the same mentality and look for him to earn himself a regular spot in the line-up.

Congratulations Anthony, this is only the beginning!

IT'S OFFICIAL!! ISHMAEL WILL AGAIN MIND THE NETS!!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce that Colton "Ishy" Ishmael ('91- New Mexico Renegades WSHL) will protect the crease for the Renegades during the 2010-11 season!

Ishmael, the only netminder of The Three Musketeers to return (Joseph Jagers elected to pursue academics) looks to establish himself once again as the premier goaltender in the WSHL.  The Renegades were not sure if he would return, as he had a couple solid Tier II opportunities, but in the end it was in his best interest to return to the Renegades to further his development.  The opportunity to play a lot while working with the detail oriented Kevin Blair (Goaltending Coach) was a chance that Ishmael could not pass up. 

Last season, as a rookie, Ishmael stole the starting position for a strong portion of the season.  He had a long streak of mind-boggling saves that turned more than a few heads.  The Renegades will look to Ishmael to provide stability in net while being a positive example off the ice.  This should not be a problem because Colton is a naturally respectful person.  His always-happy attitude keeps the team going through tough times.

With some refining of fundamentals, the most athletic goalie you will ever see should attract college and Tier II attention throughout the season.

Welcome back to Rio Colton!

Jesus Mercado Descends Upon Renegades!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the addition of Jesus Mercado ('91-Odessa Jackalopes Midget AA) to their line-up for the 2010-11 season! 

Mercado joins former Jackalopes players DJ Pyle and Jonny Voyles as he becomes part of the Renegades family.

From Left: Pyle, Voyles, Mercado

Jesus is a raw player with a pantry full of talents.  He is a stocky, strong gentlemen with the ability to play either defense or forward.  Mercado possesses a solid shot, but also has great handles, especially for a big man.  Like his Jackalope counterparts, I am sure he can drop the gloves too!

From watching Mercado's play at the July Camp, you can expect him to have an astounding second half of the season.  Jesus will use the first half to determine what role he will play in junior hockey, because frankly, he has the skills to play in all situations.  He has good hockey sense, a solid shot, and a scoring touch which could gain him some Powerplay time.  Jesus does not mind a defensive oriented game and could contribute on the PK.  His size and strength allows him to be an intimidating physical force in the defensive or offensive zone, and etc.

Renegades fans should be excited for his development, because it will be rapid.  Once his role is defined, everything will take off.  With the right work ethic, once Mercado pays his dues in junior hockey, he will receive a collegiate opportunity.

Welcome to the family Jesus!

Mike O'Sickey To Ride with the Renegades!

The papers are in and Mike O'Sickey ('91-Team Indiana) will "Ride for the Brand" this season in New Mexico with the Renegades.

O'Sickey played Midget AA last season in his home state of Indiana.  He had a strong showing at the July Camp, which confirmed scouting reports. 

Mike is a stay-at-home, in-your-face defenseman who prides himself in his great ability to prevent opposing forwards from gaining a high quality scoring chance in his defensive end. O'Sickey is the type of defenseman who lives to deliver hits and protect his goaltender, while thriving in Penalty Kill situations. He also has the ability to make a solid stretch pass and showed a touch of offensive ability in shoot outs.

The Renegades look for Mike to continue with that "Meat and Potatoes" attitude and bring a strong "Blue Collar" work ethic to New Mexico.  If O'Sickey continues to improve and maintains his great attitude, he will have a shot in the NAHL.

Welcome to the Renegades Mike!

ANOTHER RETURNS!! CODY MILLER TO PLAY FOR RENEGADES!!

In collaboration with the New Mexico Renegades, I am excited to announce that Cody Miller ('92-New Mexico Renegades WSHL) will return to the Orange, Black and White.

Last season saw Cody Miller play an important role for the Renegades.  He scored multiple game winning goals, along with two hat tricks, while playing both forward and defense.  A dynamic player, Miller is very, very skilled.  Not only does he possess a pro-style release, he is one of the fastest players around.

The New Mexico Renegades will look to Miller for a dominating offensive prescence every game.  He has the ability to light up junior hockey.  After a season of play and maturity, "Miller Time" understands the importance of being a two-way player.  We expect him to use his speed to not only gain a jump on the opposing team during offensive rushes, but to cause turnovers through proper forechecking and be the first forward on the backcheck everytime.  Speed kills in the WSHL, and Miller has it.

Welcome back to the Renegades Cody!

Daren Glover-Where Are They Now???

Yesterday, I got the opportunity to catch up with "The Admiral" (Thank you for the nickname Derek Pellett). 

Daren was the 2009-10 Renegade Captain.  The responsible two-way center, who not only received a college offer (which he subsequently turned odwn), he also received the task of organizing and disciplining a large group of wily rookies.  Needless to say, he had a fun time.  I got the opportunity to know him away from the rink very well though, because he slept, ate, watched movies and stored his armory of bows and arrows ten feet away from me in our billet home, the Blairs.

"Gloves" is an interesting person needless to say. While most other 20 year-olds are attached to iPhones and Facebook, Glover was different.  Sort of an "American Man", because if it wasn't hockey or hunting, it probably did not interest him too much (He especially, without ever seeing it, hated "The Hangover")

Herbert Kyles: So Glover, what are your whereabouts?

Admiral Glover: Gunnison, Colorado

HK: Good ol' Gunny as you and Elich called it.  What are you doing there?

AG: I'm kayaking and preparing for hunting season, while working at Gene Taylor's Sporting Goods.  And you?

HK: I'm GTL (Gym, Tan, Laundry for you non-Jersey Shorers)...just kidding, you know me.  Hockey, attempting to get ripped, working.  So, now that time has passed, could you give us some words on this past season?

AG: It was great.  Our record may not have been the strongest, but you don't remember the games, you remember the people.

HK: What do you think about the 2010-11 season?

AG: I look forward to seeing the talent that Pete brings in.  It should be an exciting season.

HK: Deep words, so the question everyone wants to know.  Rumor on the street is you're retired.  I'm going to be straightforward, what are your plans for next year?

AG: Well, I will be joining the staff of the New Mexico Renegades in a soon to be announced coaching and instructional position.

HK: Congratulations!  So do you have any idea what you will be doing?

AG: All I can tell you is that I will bring a coaching style that compliments Pete's.  I will do everything and anything I can to benefit the program.  I want to help build a great foundation for the program and develop a WSHL Dynasty.

HK: That's awesome.  Do you want hockey and coaching to be your life?

AG: I don't know.  We will find out, but I think I could have a future in it.

HK: And what do you think of Coach Ambroziak?

AG: Great coach. He knows the game. He knows the little things and the skills to excel.

HK: Thanks for your time, and let me know when you get a chance to read this.

AG: It won't be Friday, I have a big fishing trip.

Thanks Glover.  And it looks like the New Mexico Renegades family will be seeing more of "Chippy" (I heard he fixed the tooth).

PIPKINS WILL WEAR SKULL AND BONES!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the return of Matt Pipkins ('92- New Mexico Renegades WSHL) to the 2010-11 line-up.

Despite Pipkins' young age, the Renegades coaching staff expects "Pippy" to immediately take on a leadership role and lead by example.  His quiet and calm demeanor, along with his respect for others, makes him a very approachable veteran that is willing to help anyone on the team.  Don't be fooled though, while nice off the ice, he is unbelievably fierce on the pond.  He would level his girlfriend with an bone-crushing check if the Renegades needed that to win a game. 

Matt's dedication to the team now extends beyond the ice, as he discovered the weight room last year.  With the aid of Danny Chavez, there are no doubts that Matthew will continue to fill out his already large frame.  This season, the entire WSHL will be fully aware of his physical prescence and intimidating stature that will have Tier II scouts drooling over this prospect.

Pippy is not a one demensional player though.  Matt is a very dynamic defenseman who possesses a quick release from the point that creates scoring chances, especially on the Powerplay.  He also is defensive-minded, with the ability to make a strong first pass on the breakout.  The combination of Matthew's age, size and potential makes him an intriguing prospect.  With continued development, he will have choices at the Tier II level soon and NCAA eventually.

Welcome back to the Renegades Matt!

Julian Chavez Returns to Hometown Renegades!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the signing of New Mexico native Julian Chavez.

Chavez ('92-New Mexico Renegades WSHL) returns to the Renegades for a second season of junior hockey. While Chavez is still young (one remaining year of Midget eligibility) he will take the role of a grizzled veteran. Chavez developed into a defensively responsible forward throughout the season, and dedicated a tremendous amount of time to learning the art of using time and space on breakouts. By the end of the season he consistently started odd-man rushes up the ice because he realized his gap between the D-man and was willing to take the hit to move the puck up. It seems that everywhere Chavez goes he carries this attitude, as he played the final weekend of the season on the most torn up knee I have ever witnessed.

During a post-practice Parisi workout, Chavez dropped a tractor tire on a knee that already needed surgery, and after a day of rest, he decided he was going to have off-season surgery anyway, so he hobbled around the ice on half a leg because he knew our team needed him there.

He also carries this attitude off the ice in regard to weight training and academics. He will enroll full-time at the University of New Mexico WHILE playing junior hockey.

The Renegades look for Chavez to develop into a soolid two-way forward in his second season of junior hockey, as he showed his offensive capabilities, not only at the July Camp, but at the Wichita Falls Wildcats (NAHL) camp as well.

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to have hometown kid Julian Chavez returning. He will lead the locker room with his character, but also continue to keep the team loose on road trips.

RENEGADES ROSTER TAKING SHAPE!!!!

My apologies for not updating this weekend, but there was an extreme demand for Laser Tag at the local family fun center and my abilities to explain "Keep two hands on the gun" were required.

Anyway, Bench Boss Peter Ambroziak has spent the off-season on the hunt for Grade "A" players to join his returning veteran core. 

As the stars align, The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce their signings. Over the next two weeks, the blog will showcase each individual player as the Renegades unveil their roster in the days leading up to Main Camp. 

Our first signing is DJ Pyle.

Pyle (Midland, TX-New Mexico Renegades WSHL), a '90 birth-year, returns to the Renegades for his final season of junior hockey eligibility.  Last year, as a rookie, Pyle used his lethal shot to destroy goaltenders of all shapes and sizes, while also mildly concussing me as well.  He began his rookie season at 5'10" 210 lbs., but realized that he could use his physical prescence more effectively at a lower weight.

The day after the season ended, Pyle began the "Insanity" program and never looked back.  He dedicated himself to off-ice training and exercise, and at the July Camp it paid off.  He is now a slim 185 lbs. and stronger than ever. 

His "do what needs to be done" attitude will pay off this season as a veteran leader who plans to play college hockey.  Schools need to keep an eye on this player because he is bound for a breakout season.  His developing agility and pro-style shot will terrorize the WSHL, along with his massive hits and undefeated fight record (2 KOs in one season).  Expect some Gordie Howe Hat Tricks from this young man.

Mr. Pyle, the New Mexico Renegades are excited to have you back, and the blog looks forward to following your progress as you travel the path to college hockey.

HELP THE RENEGADES!

Thanks to StatCounter.com, an invisible traffic counter, I have been tracking the views of the blog since Day 1.  At the beginning, 50 views per day was a nice number.  Eventually after promoting the blog, visitors began following the blog and through "word of mouth" views increased.  After less than a month, NMRenegades.blogspot.com receives over 200 views per day and at least 100 unique visitors per day.  16 people signed up to follow the blog, with many more remaining anonymous.

We just want to say thank you for pushing this blog, and if you can continue to do so, this blog will have great benefits for the Renegades.  If you could click the follow button and enter in your information, so we can show the strong following of the Renegades, this will help the program and the players.  The goal is to use this web site to promote the program to potential fans, while informing current fans and giving parents of our junior players a way to access what is going on in their child's life.

The Renegades also want to promote their own players by showcasing their achievements on the blog.  The idea is that Tier II, NCAA and ACHA coaches will follow a players progress and inquire about the player.  Overall, this blog will really help the Renegades.

We thank you for your current and future support.

Sincerely,

The New Mexico Renegades
"Ride for the Brand"

Where Are They Now???? TJ "Bruzer" Cruz

"Bruzer", a Taos, NM native, joined the New Mexico Renegades during their inaugural season as a 20-year-old WHILE attending UNM's Engineering program full-time.  It was his final season of junior hockey eligibility. TJ is a very responsible and respectful young adult.  He's a model citizen for all and a true gentleman...except when you ask him to drop the gloves.

No one, not even Renegade head coach Peter Ambroziak, has ever seen a player drop the gloves more quickly.  For clarification, "drop the gloves" does not mean going out and gooning it up in this post.  I mean the act of dropping your gloves and taking off your helmet before a fight.  No one is aware how he does it. You might need a video or demonstration to understand, but it is an incredible feat.  His helmet and gloves come off quicker than you can clap your hands, and don't forget he had to wear a cage.  That's Bruzer though, he would stand up for anyone on the team.

Anyway, I got the chance to catch up with TJ.  I had not talked to him since the season's end. He had a few things to say:

New Mexico Renegades: Bruzer, the man, the myth, the legend, what have you been up to this off-season?

Thomas Joseph Cruz: I have been taking summer classes, playing men's league and just trying to live the dream.  What about you?

NMR: Well my life consists of mowing lawns in high heat, ordering kids around at birthday parties, handing out shoes, playing hockey and lifting large pieces of metal over my body at a consistent pace. So what are your plans for next year?

TJC: I am going to return to UNM for my junior year and focus solely on school.  Once I have a few more Engineering courses under my belt I will be eligible for a lot of great internships next summer, so right now my focus is on life after hockey.

NMR: I've heard Engineering is a profitable future.  What are your plans after graduation?

TJC: I am considering joining the United States Marines Pilot Training Program.  It will be the best way for me to get my foot into the door.  I would love to work in the military's Weapons Design program. Yours?

NMR: Mine are get rich.  I have not figured out how though, I heard the lottery pays well. Way to use that intelligence though, so what did your year with the Renegades teach you?

TJC: “It was a great experience to see what competitive hockey was all about. I learned a lot about responsibility and time management when it came to school, work and hockey. It takes a lot of hard work to achieve anything in life, like hockey, to play pro or NCAA requires a lot of effort. To succeed in college or your professional career is the same thing.”

NMR: And what did you think of Coach Pete Ambroziak?

TJC: “Pete is just an amazing coach who knows what he is doing and what it takes to be successful. He is the real deal.”

So that's it.  Looks like "Bruzer" is trading in the boxing gloves for books.  We all know he will be successful, but I think it is still corteous to wish him good luck.  Keep checking in as the next up is Admiral Daren Glover.

More Pictures of the Renovated Dressing Room

REVAMPED RENEGADE HIDEOUT!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce the renovation of their dressing room!

Goaltending Coach and Equipment Manager Kevin Blair has put in tireless hours of hard work to make this possible.  His attention to detail not only pays off on the ice, but off the ice as well.  Not a single aspect of the lockerroom was overlooked. 

Blair is not done yet, he has plans in progress to add-on that have not been announced yet.

STAY TUNED!!

For most athletes the off-season is a time of competitive rest, where players focus on improving individual skills.  Not hockey.  Graduating Midget, Prep School, High School players, along with current Junior players, spend their summers traveling from city to city in search of a program to help them achieve their goals.  At times, there are 300 players battling for 10 spots.

With the final weeks closing on the Renegades Home Opener there are players coming into Main Camp with the goal of earning a contract in mind and then already signed players who are competing to keep their spot. 

A few contracts are out and those signings will be announced in a press release.

There is more to come during the week of August 9, so stay tuned to find out who your 2010-11 New Mexico Renegades will be.

The Odessa Pipeline

The Odessa Jackalopes held a press conference for returning Renegades DJ Pyle ('90) and Jonathan Voyles ('92), along with newcomer Jesus Mercado ('91) of Odessa, TX. 

The conference was broadcast was televised from the rink.  The entire town recognized the accomplishments of their local hockey players making the jump to junior hockey. The Odessa Jackalopes (CHL) released the following story:

The Odessa Jackalopes announced today that six players from their youth hockey program are moving up to the Junior ‘A’ Hockey level. It’s the highest number of players to leave for a higher level at one time in the program’s history.

Mason Desilets, Keegan Kelly, Jesus Mercado, DJ Pyle, Corey Reynolds, and Jonathan Voyles will all travel to different parts of the country this winter to continue their hockey careers.

“We’re very proud of what these players have been able to accomplish,” said Donnie Margettie, Director of Youth Hockey. “It will be a wonderful experience for them to continue playing hockey, travel with their teams, and play against better competition.”

Five of the players will be members of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL). Mercado, Pyle, and Voyles will play for the New Mexico Renegades. This will be Mercado’s first venture into junior hockey – he plays defense. Pile and Voyles will begin their second season in New Mexico lining up as forwards for the team.

Congratulations on the recognition for your hardwork!

Renegades to be in Sunday Paper!

The New Mexico Renegades extend a special thanks to the Rio Rancho Observer and and "Bunkhouse Program" coordinator Rob Vitek for organizing the opportunity for a large ad  in Sunday's newspaper.

Screenshot of the Ad

The Renegades would like a couple more billet families and we hope this advertisement seals the deal.  Billeting is a very rewarding experience that not only develops lifelong relationships, but comes with FREE SEASON TICKETS.

Contact Rob Vitek at RP4643@hotmail.com for more information.

Also, Renegades fans, make sure you show the Sunday paper to as many friends, co-workers and neighbors as possible!

TURN YOUR HOME INTO A HIDEOUT!

Approximately 25 hockey players will ride into town to join the New Mexico Renegades Junior "A" Hockey Club.  These players are here to earn higher-level junior or collegiate hockey opportunities and will spend the the next 8 months dedicated to hockey to achieve that goal.  Who do they move here with though?

The short answer, no one.  Junior players often relocate alone to a new city and culture.  For the most part, they live with billet families.  These kind families invite hockey players into their home.  Some families are empty-nesters.  Some are single-parent households.  Some have a full blown family but just want to add on even more.  Billet families come in all sorts of sizes and it truly is an adventure.  Junior players act as mentors to younger children while also forming a true bond with the housing parents.  It's a very unique experience that is almost always positive.

Billet families receive a monthly fee paid to them for housing these players, and the New Mexico Renegades reward these families with free season tickets as well.  You will also get to meet the rest of the team and make a lot of connections.  You might even have a future NHLer living in your home.  Talk about a possible payoff!

But seriously, billeting is an incredibly fun experience and definitely a great way to spice up your life.  If you are interested, head to the New Mexico Renegades web site, http://www.nmrenegades.com/ or contact Rob Vitek, head of the Renegades' "Bunkhouse Program", at rp4636@hotmail.com for more information.

Memoirs of Herbert: The Willie O'Ree Experience

Right now Coach Ambroziak is finalizing the signing of players, whom will be announced soon.  In the meantime, I am going to update the blog with memories from the past season.  If you want me to write an anecdote about something or simply have something to say, don't hesitate to leave a comment.  If you want to write something for me to post, just send it to HerbertKyles@gmail.com. Superfan Rob Vitek and I thought it would be a good idea to write some stories about fan interactions, so I figured I would post one today.  It's my first game memory of the Renegades.

First off, shoutout to Willie O'Ree.  He's the man, the myth and the legend.  Now on with the memory.

Throughout all levels of hockey, from youth to professional, coaches speak about "Home Ice Advantage".  While many people point directly to ice and rink conditions for advantages (for example-Tulsa's midget glass and odd rink measurements, El Paso's lively boards or our well below room temperature arena), players always notice something outside of the ice surface.  The crowd.

I remember after our grand opening, Willie O'Ree weekend against Tulsa, Vinny DiCarlo came up to me before they boarded the bus.  DiCarlo and I spoke for a little bit (we met when he came to KC to train) and he commented that especially for an expansion team, we had an awesome crowd that cheered us on.

I knew we had great fans who supported us. It was evident when I let up my 2nd goal after a brutal across the body 1st goal (I think I was still starstruck by Willie); The fan behind my goal gave me the stay strong fist clench (I knew he didn't want to fight me because he didn't pound the boards Rob Vitek style) and kept me going.

Then we fought back to 4-3 and the fans were going nuts.  I think Cindy Pyle screamed really loud because all of a sudden sparks flew from Cody Miller's skates and in announcer lingo he went "Top Shelf...Where Mama Hides the Cookies!"

 We all thought the stars had aligned; Fans were jumping up and down like kids in a chocolate facotry.  Well, not so much, as the refs disallowed the goal for reasons unknown to the rest of the world.  I thought Rob Vitek was going to burst through the glass onto the ice, like The Hulk but angrier.

At the time, I was furious at myself because that game would have been 3-3 if I Kevin Blair had been our goaltending coach at the time.  His tagline of "HERBIE!  KEEP. YOUR. GLOVE. UP!" replays through my mind to this day.

This memory is a special one of the Renegades fan base, and if I can make it out there for the Home Opener, I look forward to seeing what it is like this year.  If Colton keeps his glove up and the forwards finish on their chances, the Texas Brahmas are in for a long night.