RENEGADES ROLL INTO EL PASO!

This weekend the New Mexico Renegades ride the brand into El Paso to take on the Rhinos.

The previous meeting between the two did not have the desired outcome, but the Renegades did a wonderful job regrouping against the Boulder Bison, who represented the WSHL at Junior Nationals last year.  Even though the Renegades did not take the series, the contests were close and competitive.  The revamped squad proved they can compete at the top of the league.  With a little more time to gel the Renegades will excel.

The Renegades encourage you to follow the game on Time-to-Score, B2 Networks or both has the Renegades ride itno Rhino territory.

10th Annual Western States Shoot-Out Showcase!!!

The Tenth Annual Western States Shoot-Out Showcase begins at 1:00pm on December 16, 2010 at the Las Vegas Ice Center.

The Showcase will include all 13 teams from the WSHL and 1 team from NorPac the Helena Bighorns.

Each team will play 4 games in the showcase format of 2-25 minute halves. All games will be played as league games, with all stats and win/loss points included in the season totals.

The WSHL is expecting a large turnout of NCAA college coaches after the very successful 2009-2010 recruiting season. The WSHL set a all-time league record for placement of college freshmen into NCAA ice hockey for the 2010-2011 season.

The Host Hotel for the Showcase is the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. Room rates are $25 plus a $5 resort fee per night.

For parents and spectators who are flying into Las Vegas, the WSHL will have available a charter bus running between the rink and the Stratosphere. The bus pass will be $40 per person for the entire weekend, or $15 for one round trip. Parents/Spectators interested in the bus pass contact the league office at: wshloffice@aol.com

The WSHL will also be holding a College Hockey Seminar at the Stratosphere Showroom Saturday December 18. This seminar is for players and parents and will discuss such items as financial aid, recruiting, admission criteria, and more.

This showcase resulted in a lot of college attention for the Renegades players last year while providing a great venue of entertainment for the parents, fans and even players.  The Renegades and the WSHL encourage you to make the trip so you can enjoy great junior hockey in a competitive environment along with the excitement of LAS VEGAS!

Renegades Preparing for Rhinos

The New Mexico Renegades enjoyed a relaxing bye weekend from WSHL play and returned to the ice this week for practice.  The El Paso Rhinos roll into town on Friday night for battle after a rough weekend in Tulsa.  The Rhinos lost the weekend series.  Friday night, Tulsa beat the Rhinos in overtime and Saturday night stopped them in regulation.  Sunday the Rhinos overwhelmed Tulsa though. 

Meanwhile, New Mexico has played Tulsa closely and put together three solid games last weekend.  The Renegades are preparing to break the streak and would like to do so at home for the pleasure of their fans.

Assistant Captain Matt Pipkins said "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take and success comes with 100% effort, so as a team we plan to rack up the shots on goal to test their goalie and put forth as much effort as possible- we want to break this streak and starting putting up W's."

Go Renegades!

Coach Ambroziak Join Mustangs on Bench!

Renegades Head Coach Peter Ambroziak, joined Mustangs Head Coach Bill Mackult on the bench during the Mustangs home game on Saturday night against the Amarillo Bulls. Coach Mackult offered Coach Ambroziak the opportunity while Mustangs Assistant Coach Brian Cronan was scouting in Pittsburg.


The Mustangs fought a tough battle, but ended up losing 3-2. Like the Renegades, the Mustangs are a young team this season, although they have a great deal of talent on their roster.

Coach Ambroziak was thankful for the opportunity and had a great time on the bench. "Bill and I have very similar coaching styles, but you always learn something new when you are with someone as experienced and knowledgable as he is," Coach Ambroziak said. "I look forward to moving some of our Renegades players up to the Mustangs where I know they'll have great coaching, and play for a first class organization."

The Mustangs look to take back a win when they play Wichita Falls on Sunday, October 31st at Santa Ana Star Center.

New Mexico Renegades Fundraiser Barbecue

Come out for the New Mexico Renegades second fundraiser barbeque. Meet the players as they assist you in taking your order for a delicious grilled hamburger or brat, grilling up your order, or getting your order to you. Assorted chips and drinks will also be available! Get there early...the first barbeque was so popular all of the food sold out...So, come out this Saturday, enjoy a delicious lunch or snack. and help the non-profit organization, New Mexico Renegades Hockey continue to bring exciting junio0r hockey action to Rio Rancho

Date & Time: Saturday October 30 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Location: Sunflower Farmers Market

               Coors Blvd. NW & Alameda NW
               Albuquerque, NM


While you're there...check-out Sunflower Farmers market for some of the great burgers and brats served at the barbeque and many of the other values offered daily!

Breaking The Streak

The New Mexico Renegades responded to Coach Ambroziak's request this past weekend and competed.  Although they wetn 0-3, the scores were 4-2 (F), 3-2 (F/OT) and a heart-breaking 5-4 loss (GWG @ 18:38 of the 3rd period).

It's no secret that the Renegades have been stuck in the rough for a few weeks, but junior hockey is the tool to teach players how to handle adversity.  Anyone can play when it's convenient and comfortable, but what players are going to push themselves at a 5:30 AM practice?  Who will get off the 15-hour bus ride and fight through the road legs?  Junior hockey is a 60 game season in the Mid-West and that is before play-offs.  Right now the Renegades are battling the grind and with perseverance, this streak will turn around. A team has to lose playing well before they can win.  That is how an athlete learns the amount of work it takes to win a game.  A losing streak teaches players to appreciate and work for the win.

So keep cheering on your New Mexico Renegades, because as fans, remember this: It doesn't matter where you start, but where you finish.  It's a long season and I sense that the Renegades are about to make a statement.

Renegades Ready for Rampage!

After an arduous week of practice and "getting back to the basics", the Renegades are set to battle the Rampage on home-ice.  Last series, the Renegades reuturned from Tulsa 1-2.  Veteran goaltender Colton Ishmael starred in Game Two of the series with a 50+ save performance to lead the Renegades to a 2-1 victory.

As with any game, goaltending and defense are a crucial part of winning, but even more so when playing the Tulsa Rampage.  Their team is known for firing an unbelievable amount of shots on goal with the idea of "catching the goalie off-guard", while attempting to break the goaltender's focus and tiring the netminder out.  This also forces the defensemen to battle for rebounds and wear them down as well.  With the Renegades' solid trio of netminders in Colton Ishmael, Rett Vossler and Brandon Loera, New Mexico should be comfortable in net.  Although a tad shorthanded at defense with the abscence of Assistant Captain Matt Pipkins he will be in the lockerroom to lead the Blue Line Crew.  Rookie Trevor McClary had this to say about the upcoming weekend:

"I have confidence that this weekend against Tulsa the team as one has alot of work to do, but I feel with the hardwork that we've shown since we've been home from Texas is will pay off."

Also, the New Mexico Renegades want to wish Colton Ishmael a happy birthday!

Rough Weekend for the Renegades; Still Finding Positives Though

Friday, the Renegades lost 2-1 against the Texas Brahmas in Dallas.  The game was competitive, with action going both ways, but unfortunately, the Renegades came out on the wrong side of the score.  On a bright note, WSHL scoresheets indicate that newcomer Rett Vossler recorded 42 saves in his performance.  Also the New Mexico Renegades want to congratulate rookie forward Craig Parry on his first junior hockey goal, as he recorded the lone tally of the game for the Renegades.

Saturday and Sunday were different.  The Renegades had a rough 48 hours and things just were not in favor of the boys.  Special team play had a role in the game, as Saturday Texas recorded two shorthanded tallies and two powerplay tallies.  Sunday, Texas put up multiple powerplay goals again. The positive though:  Congratulations to Creighton Lay on his first junior hockey goal.

Junior hockey is a learning curve, and the Renegades learned the hard way this weekend about following up a tough Friday loss.  As a Renegade alum, I know the boys will fly out of gates on Friday against Tulsa, especially at home.

Renegades Update

The New Mexico Renegades fall 2-1 in a hard fought game...more to come.

New Season; New Attitude

As the WSHL enters their fourth weekend of league action, everyone notices the amazing parity of the 2010-11 Mid-West Division.  The Perrenial Power El Paso Rhinos lost their first regular season series ever and suffered a defeat by the expansion Texas Brahmas. They sit in third place.  The Tulsa Rampage split possession of first place with the Texas Brahmas, although the Rampage are three games behind. Defending champion Boulder Bison find themselves tied with the New Mexico Renegades.

While there is a lot of hockey left, it does not take a rocket scientist to notice that:

• The Renegades beat Tulsa in the Saturday game. Returning goaltender Colton Ishmael stonewalled the opposition with 51 SAVES! 
• The Bison took a series from the Rhinos, while the Brahmas earned a Friday night win.
• Tulsa and Texas battled for the series on Sunday in Tulsa.  The Rampage won, but not without a fight.
• The Renegades dominated Texas in their home opener.

Basically, the 2009-10 season is in the books. The current Renegades squad looks to make a statement in WSHL play this season.  Although young, consisting of 92s and 93s (Only a single '90), the Renegades play with the passion, pride and desire necessary to carry a team into the playoffs.  After losing a playoff spot to the now defunct San Antonio Diablos, Coach Ambroziak leads his junior program into their second season of play with team and player goals in mind.  He looks to contend for the championship while promoting players to the NAHL, Tier II, NCAA and ACHA levels.  With the New Mexico Mustangs literally around the corner, the Renegades players battle everyday, whether it is practice or game time, in an effort to extend their hockey careers.

Veterans, like Captain DJ Pyle ('90) and Jonny Voyles ('92), know that they have an opportunity to chase their NCAA and professional dreams through the Renegades.  The key to success for these veterans is the realization that they have the tools to succeed.  So far, their great leadership and positive communication to rookies is apparent, as players like Garrett Phillips and Spencer Archer put up points and adjust quickly to the style of play at the junior level.

Do not overlook the blue line though.  Assistant Captain Matt Pipkins ('92) leads by example this season.  Fans enjoy watching the Renegades' Blue Line Crew develop into a force and it will not be long before scouts note these players development.

Excitement runs through Rio Rancho this season, as the Renegades not only prepare for a chippy rematch against the Texas Brahmas, but lay the foundation for a special season.

Renegades Fall Short of Winning Series but Show Determination and Promise

The Renegades fell trap to the "Early Friday Game" in Tulsa and skated slowly out of the gates in Friday's 6-3 loss.  Spencer Archer continued his solid production by chipping in a goal, along with rookie Garrett Phillips.  The boys showed comraderie though, especially rookie Brad Harris, as they fought to protect recently acquired goaltender Rett Vossler.  The Renegades found penalty trouble Friday night and could not dig themselves out of the deficit.

Saturday was a new day, new game.  Coach Ambroziak rallied the troops as the Renegades trounced the Rampage 6-2.  Garrett Phillips contributed a goal and three helpers for a total of four points on the night.  Stefan Skinner had a beautiful bardown snipe and Anthony "Little Z" Zarella joined the party with a goal. 

Assistant Captain Matt Pipkins said "Yesterday (Saturday) was our best game of the year.  We kept building off positive energy instead of sulking in our loss.  I was proud to see the boys rally!"

Sunday, the Renegades did not clinch the series though.  The game was back and forth with a lot of emotion.  Both teams grinded to earn a win, but in the final period the Rampage pulled away.  Play was competitive though and Coach Ambroziak is aware the team's strengths and weaknesses.

The Renegades look to a solid week of practice upon their return to Rio Rancho and will have a well-earned off weekend from league play.  The Renegades travel to play the Texas Brahmas two weeks from now.

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