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.

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 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

Colton Ishmael to Guard Renegades Hideout!

The New Mexico Renegades are proud to announce that '91 birth-year goaltender Colton Ishmael will return to the Renegades for the 2010-11 season!  The 6'2" 200 lbs. goaltender has been working like a madman to prepare for this season.  The Renegades coaches, players and fans are happy to have Colton back for the season, but are all aware it is only a matter of time before an NAHL team offers him.  His athleticism and dedication will guide him to the Tier II level and beyond.

Despite what statistics say, Ishmael had a stellar rookie season last year and was a spark for the Renegades.  We all know he will continue to do so this season.