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 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!

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!

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!

Ishmael and Voyles to Return to Renegades; Alires Preparing for USHL Camp

Jonny Voyles ended his Main Camp run yesterday evening and plans to return to the New Mexico Renegades to begin the season.  He left a great impression upon the Mustangs coaching staff.  If Jonny continues his strong play into the regular season, he won't be with us long.  Jonny had this to say about camp and the Renegades:

"I really appreciate the opportunity Coach Muckalt of the Mustangs gave me to make his team.  I also thank Coach Ambroziak for helping me get this opportunity.  While I am excited to make the jump to the NAHL level eventually, I can't wait for the Renegades season to start.  Along with my future Renegade teammates, we have all been working hard over the summer to improve our totals in the win column and develop ourselves into a championship team. We will be a good team this year and I expect great things from ourselves.  We have a strong veteran core returning and I saw some good things out of potential first-year players."

Meanwhile, Colton Ishmael had a strong showing at the Corpus Christi Ice Rayz camp in Detroit.  He had a very strong showing in his final ice sessions, with some amazing saves, but did not make the final cut.  Colton is excited to return to the Renegades this year though.  Ishy is making his plans to begin one-on-one training with Renegades Goaltending Coach Kevin Blair.  He also has great expectations for the team, which is why he will work with Kevin as much as he can this season to prepare himself to backstop the team and transfer his skills to college hockey.

Also, defenseman Jared Alires ended his "East Coast Experience" at the Chowder Cup +6 with 1 assist.  He is back home for a couple days before heading off the camp with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL.  Play hard Jared.

The Renegades begin Regular Season preparation on August 27 as they open with a late Main Camp.  Expect the stars to align for the Renegades' second season of WSHL competition!

UPDATE: I received confirmation from Matt Pipkins himself.  He just returned from the eye doctor and he will be 100% fine.  The swelling finally went down and the doctor examined him.  He is ready to go for the season.

QUICK UPDATE

Day Two of the New Mexico Mustangs Camp:

Jonny Voyles scores two goals in Game One of the day along with another fight.

From the Chowder Cup:

Jared Alires has one more game left and is +5 with 1 assist on the weekend.

From Ice Rays (NAHL) Main Camp:

Goaltender Colton Ishmael puts on a show.

MORE TO COME IN THE EVENING!

Day One: Jonny Voyles Mustangs Main Camp and another 2009-10 Renegade

Jonny's scoring rampage carried over from the Renegades Camp to the Mustangs camp.  Voyles played two games today and totaled two goals and four assists for a whopping six points. 

Not too shabby for the '92 birth-year. He continued to make his physical prescence known on the ice and is excited to play tomorrow. 

Check back for a mid-day update and an entry from Jonny himself.

UPDATE:  2009-10 Renegades defenseman Jared Alires is in Boston competing in the prestigious Chowder Cup, with scouts from Junior A to NCAA to Major Junior to NHL in attendance.  He was selected after participating in the Global Scouting Showcase in Las Vegas.  This is an exciting weekend for the Renegades!

RENEGADE JONNY VOYLES TO MUSTANGS MAIN CAMP!!!

Congratulations to 2009-10 Renegade Jonathan Voyles for being invited to the New Mexico Mustangs (NAHL) Main Camp.

 Voyles (Right) facing off with Tim Avegard

Voyles joined the team for the tail end of the 2009-10 season after starting the year with the Odessa Jackalopes Midget "AA" team.  The '92 birth-year forward stepped in as a 17 year-old and played with intensity and grit far beyond his age and size.  Voyles showed up to the July camp prepared to put on a show and delivered with three goals, two assists and a KO in his first fight.  His "hit-anything-that-moves" mentality and incredible skating skills not only impressed Renegades Bench Boss Peter Ambroziak, but also caught the eye of Mustangs Head Coach Bill Muckalt.

Even though we would like to see Jonny wear the "Skull and Bones" again, the Renegade family would LOVE to see him hop onto the Tier II horse with the Mustangs to chase his NCAA and Professional dreams.  Stay tuned for updates on Jonny's performance throughout the weekend and he shows the other players how to "Ride for the Brand".