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 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.