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 Update

The New Mexico Renegades fall 2-1 in a hard fought game...more to come.

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 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.

RENEGADES PREPARE FOR TULSA RAMPAGE!!!

After a long week of practice, the Renegades travel to Tulsa, OK to take on the Rampage at the Oilers Ice Center.  The first road trip of the year is always tough, but the Tulsa road trip is tougher for two reasons:

1.) You have a time-zone change.  This means that arriving at 4:00 Mountain is 5:00 Central.  Time management is a necessity.  Players have to plan out how to sleep on the bus and then actually sleep.  It is part of the rigors of junior hockey that prepare a player for the collegiate level.

2.) Tulsa traditionally schedules their Friday game at 5:30, way earlier than anyone else.  This means to arrive at 3:30 PM Central (2:30 Mountain) you have to leave by 2:30 AM.  Remember, the players still have to get to the hotel, check-in, take a nap and grab some food, not to mention practice Thursday before they leave.  Also, some of the Renegades are still in high school or attend their college classes part-time in person (I was luck to go on-line last year).  That makes for a long day and a tough schedule.

Away from the logistics and let's breakdown Tulsa.

They were off last weekend, but faced the Brahmas opening weekend of WSHL play.

Bobby Watson (#14) returns as a third-year veteran to the Rampage and is their offensive threat.  His stat lines were 2-2-4 in their Friday 5-2 win, 1-1-2 in their Saturday 5-3 loss, and 1-1 in their Sunday 5-2 win for a total of 4 Goals, 4 Assists and 8 points on the weekend.  He appears to be on a line with Jeff Lundberg who recorded 2 goals and 3 assists on the weekend.  Watson and Lundberg were seen all over the scoresheet and appear to be Tulsa's top offensive line.

Returning Tulsa 3-year veterans Travis Ringeman and Ty Smith did not appear all over the scoresheet, but are known for their stout defensive play, although they were both scratched from Sunday's game.

From the scoresheets, it appears Tulsa has one main scoring line, which could bode well for the Renegades.  Last season the Renegades were successful at holding Watson and former leading scorer Tom Whetsel off the scoresheet.  The 2009-10 Renegades normally played Tulsa close. 

The depth of the 2010-11 Renegades is key in picking up a Friday win.  The Renegades need to continue holding Watson off the scoresheet and neuturalize and trump Tulsa's top line.  If that is done, the Renegades next two offensive lines should put up some points.  It is up to New Mexico to protect their lead once they gain it.  If the Renegades play good two-way hockey and hustle, which seems to be the theme for the year, then New Mexico should come out on top.

If you are not traveling with the team, you can view WSHL league games on http://www.fasthockey.com/.  Occasionally the Rampage do not use FASTHockey, so if you cannot find the game go to http://www.tulsarampage.com/.

 Ride for the Brand!

UPDATE: PYLE OKAY!

Many of you have already heard about Captain DJ Pyle.

During Saturday's game, as he exited the ice, DJ pushed open a door by using the glass of it and cut an artery in his wrist.  He had to be transported to the hospital immediately and have surgery.

His surgery was successful and he is resting and recuperating.  He is expected to make a full recovery.

Our thoughts go out to DJ and the Pyle family, who are great supporters of the Renegades.  His family has made the trek every weekend from their home in Midland, TX to Pyle's games.  I don't mean just his home games...every game.  Whether it is Tulsa, Boulder or even Vegas they are there to support the team and the program.

Stay strong DJ!

Renegades End Opening Weekend 1-2; Learning Lessons for Tulsa

After opening their season with a win, the New Mexico Renegades lost 8-0 and 6-4 on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday's game was a rough one for the Renegades. The Renegades stood tough though and defended themselves physically.  Things just did not click. The Brahmas' top line took over the game and never looked back.

Sunday was different though.  The Renegades held a lead for a strong portion of the game, but once again the Brahmas' top line saved them.  New Mexico did not hold on for the victory.

Coach Peter Ambroziak had this to say about the weekend:

"Friday night was great.  We competed and battled for the win.  Saturday and Sunday we learned lessons though.  As a team, we need to learn to play with the lead and hold it. Friday showed what we can do, but Saturday and Sunday showed what we need to work on.  With a solid week of practice we will be ready to face Tulsa."

Overall, the opening weekend was a success.  A crowd was in attendance to watch the Renegades open with a win, and the boys learned what they need to do to win a weekend series.  It may be a cliche, but the Renegades are focusing on "Winning the first period" in Tulsa on Friday, and going from there.