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.

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!