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).

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.