Tag Archives: el paso rhinos

Officials with the El Paso Rhinos announced that the team will join the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) for the 2020-21 season.

Subsequently, starting in 2021-22, the Rhinos will have teams in both the NA3HL and the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Over the past few seasons, the organization has considered moving up to the NAHL. In March, when the season was cut short due to COVID-19, the Rhinos’ ownership group decided to shift its focus entirely.

Rhino Head Coach Cory Herman explains, “Being in the NAHL has always been our goal. [The NAHL] brand, professionalism and level of play is where we want our program to be. Joining the NAHL and NA3 gives players two options and it helps our program grow.”

For the North American Hockey League, the El Paso’s unique hockey community has the tools, resources, and support necessary to help the league expand farther into the Southwest.

“We are excited to add a new team like El Paso to the NAHL footprint. We believe they have all the pieces in place for success, which includes great community support and involvement,” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld. “The growth of hockey in the South has played a large role in our league’s success and the addition of the new team in El Paso continues to solidify the footprint and will create many new and exciting rivalries. With the addition of their NA3HL team, who will begin play in 2020-21, they have a great foundation for player development.”

The NA3HL is also looking forward to adding its 32nd team to the league. “We are excited to continue our growth in the South Division with the addition of the El Paso Rhinos,” said NA3HL Commissioner Blake MacNicol. “The Rhinos have an established organization with a focus on player development and advancement, along with a rich tradition of community outreach and support. I think the passionate fans of the El Paso Rhinos will enjoy the brand of hockey the NA3HL will bring and also the new rivalries that will be established.”

The NA3HL is one of two USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior leagues and the NAHL is the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league. The primary goals of both the NA3HL and the NAHL are to adequately train players and provide resources—namely coaching, exposure and developmental vehicles—that will help them secure NCAA hockey scholarships.

Over the course of the last five seasons, over 1,500 NAHL players have made NCAA commitments and 30have been drafted into the NHL.
Herman is eager to introduce such a high caliber of talent to El Paso.

“The players in the NAHL are future NHL draft picks and Division I college hockey players. It’s very exciting for our program to have that level of hockey in El Paso.”

In 2020-21, the Rhinos will play in the NA3HL’s South Division of the where their opponent list will include teams from Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Like the WSHL’s series and season format, three-game series will be played on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The Rhinos also will play a 47-game regular-season, playoffs, and possibly in the FraserCup Championship Tournament, which crowns the NA3HL’s playoff champion.

The El Paso Rhinos, Vitalant, and the El Paso Sports Commission have teamed up to host a blood drive on June 13 at the El Paso County Coliseum.

Officials share that while blood donation is always essential, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically increased the need for all types of blood.

Understanding the gravity of this global health crisis, the Rhinos jumped at the opportunity to contribute in any way possible.

“We are passionate about helping our community and right now, one of the ways that we can help is by encouraging blood donation,” Rhino Head Coach Cory Herman says. “There’s a dire need for blood, and we’re hoping that by co-hosting this blood drive we can aid in getting El Pasoans to donate.”

Additionally, blood banks in El Paso are seeking plasma from recovered COVID19 patients as it may help save the lives others who have more severe cases.

The Blood Drive will be held on June 13 from 1 pm to 6 pm at the El Paso County Coliseum, locoated at 4100 East Paisano. Appointments must be made in advance by visiting bloodhero.com or calling 915-544-5422.

To help maintain social distancing, all attendees will remain 6 feet apart, donors and staff members will be required to wear masks, and all equipment will be thoroughly sanitized between donors.

All individuals who donate blood will receive Rhino tickets for the 2020-21 season and have a chance to win Rhino jerseys and other merchandise.

For questions or more information, call 915-544-5422.

Even with the rampaging Rhinos off the ice, the squad wants kids from around the area to help the team out by designing a jersey they’ll wear for the 2020-21 season

Kids 12 and under can use this template to design a Rhino jersey that players will wear for Kids Weekend! Submit your final design by messaging the Rhinos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by 8 pm on April 2nd.

After raising over $20,000 for childhood cancer research during their final regular season series, the El Paso Rhinos now turn their attention to the Mid-Western Division Semi-Finals when they host the Dallas Snipers in a best two-of-three series this weekend.

El Paso enters the playoffs as the first seed in their division, with a regular season record of 43-4-2-2 (W-L-OTW-OTL).

On Friday, they’ll drop the puck for the series with the 11th annual Teddy Bear Toss, in memory of Joni Arnett.

Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to the game and toss them on to the ice after the Rhinos score their first goal.

In game two on Saturday, the Rhinos will host Ladies Night where female fans can make customized t-shirts and receive giveaways from Herndon’s Brass Shop and MT Needles.

The puck will drop at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and 4:30 pm on Sunday, if necessary, at the El Paso County Coliseum Events Center, located at 4100 East Paisano.

Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling the El Paso County Coliseum Box Office at 915-533-9899.

To end the regular season, the El Paso Rhinos will also host their tenth annual St. Baldrick’s series as they take on San Diego this weekend.

On Saturday, March 7, the players, the coaching and training staff, youth hockey players, and UTEP Hockey players will shave their heads to fight childhood cancer.

During the game, fans are invited to bid on a Rhino’s or Miner’s hair and following the game, auction winners will take the first swipe of each shavee’s hair.

All proceeds benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and just last season, the event raised over $15,000 and this year, although the event is still days away, shavees have raised nearly $9,000. Right before the head shaving event on Saturday, the Rhinos will visit the El Paso Children’s Hospital.

Also on Saturday, the Rhinos and the El Paso Hockey Association will also host another Try Hockey for Free session at 4:15 pm.

All local kids, regardless of experience with skating or hockey, can arrive at the rink at 3:30 pm to learn hockey skills from Rhino players. The equipment will be loaned for the duration of the hour session and all players are encouraged to sign up online.

The puck will drop at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and 4:30 pm on Sunday at the El Paso County Coliseum Events Center (4100 E. Paisano).

Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online or by calling the El Paso County Coliseum Box Office at 915-533-9899.

As the El Paso Rhinos finished January with a three-game sweep of the Oklahoma City Blazers, now the Midwestern Division leaders are back at home for one of three remaining regular season home series.

This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Rhinos take on the Northern Colorado Eagles who are currently ranked second in the Midwestern Division.

Both teams will enter the series on a win streak; the Rhinos have won 16 straight while the Eagles have had six consecutive wins.

While the Rhinos look to pick up three more wins at home, Rhino forward Tomas Urbanec also seeks to become the Western States Hockey Leagues’ All-Time Points Leader with only one more point. He is currently tied with former Rhino, Jakob Kranabetter, for the title.

Partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association for the series, the Rhinos will recognize community members who have been affected by Alzheimer’s.

Following Sunday’s game, the free Paint the Ice promotion returns. After the postgame skate, fans are invited to head to the east end of the arena to pick up paint and paint brushes, courtesy of Dunn Edwards Paints, and head onto the ice to create artistic masterpieces with the players.

Additionally, the El Paso Rhinos remind fans that the team and their rink have been nominated for Kraft Hockeyville, with voting set to end February 29.

Fans can help the rink by sharing a link to the El Paso County Coliseum Event Center rally page on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. More points can be earned for the rink if fans upload photos and videos, write short notes and like the photos and videos of others on the El Paso rally page.

The most points are earned for writing “stories,” or answering three questions, about how the rink supports the community.

Each year, Kraft Hockeyville USA recognizes the most spirited hockey community in the country and awards them with $150,000 in rink renovations and the opportunity to host an NHL game.

The puck will drop at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and 4:30 pm on Sunday at the El Paso County Coliseum Events Center, located at 4100 East Paisano.

Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online or by calling the El Paso County Coliseum Box Office at 915-533-9899.

After starting the second half of the season with three wins in Wichita and three more in Dallas, the El Paso Rhinos are back at home for their first home series of 2020.

This Rivalry Weekend series, presented by Speaking Rock, will be dedicated to thanking all law enforcement agents and first responders and recognizing local police officers, firefighters, and EMTs.

Thanks to Hardy Hole Drilling, all law enforcement agents and first responders receive free tickets to this Friday game and every Friday game throughout the season.

Rhino Forward Dylan Fontaine, whose father and uncles are law enforcement agents in Canada, explains the impact that law enforcement and first responders have on our community.

“It’s important to recognize first responders and law enforcement because they risk their own lives every day for all citizens. Everything they do, day-in and day-out, gives us the opportunity to play the sport we love and have the safety and comfort that we need to play. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

On Friday, the Rhinos will be clad in special jerseys that represent law enforcement agents and firefighters. Their gameworn jerseys will be auctioned off following the game.

In addition to the game, the Rhinos remind fans about their participation in the ‘Kraft Hockeyville’ promotion.

Each year, Kraft Hockeyville USA recognizes the most spirited hockey community in the country and awards them with $150,000 in rink renovations and the opportunity to host an NHL game.

Through February 29, fans can help the rink by sharing a link to the El Paso County Coliseum Event Center rally page on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. More points can be earned for the rink if fans upload photos and videos, write short notes and like the photos and videos of others on the El Paso rally page.

The most points are earned for writing “stories,” or answering three questions, about how the rink supports the community.  The entry page can be accessed by clicking here.

El Paso could be the next Kraft Hockeyville USA city and earn the right to host a pre-season NHL game and receive $150,000 to upgrade the region’s most popular hockey rink.

“El Paso is not a likely hotbed for hockey, but year after year our community has shown that the sport can find a home here in the desert Southwest,” said Cory Herman, Head Coach. “The designation of Kraft Hockeyville USA would certify El Paso’s passion for hockey and help us make an important investment in the future of the sport on the U.S.-Mexico border.”

The El Paso County Events Center – home of the back-to-back Thorne Cup Champions El Paso Rhinos – is in the hunt to earn the prestigious designation and needs the help of the community to get it done.

Each year, Kraft Hockeyville USA recognizes the most spirited hockey community in the country using a system that combines an application and support from fans in social media.

Fans can help the El Paso County Events Center rack up points toward becoming a final-four finalist for the Kraft Hockeyville USA title by visiting the Rhinos’ contest website at Kraft Hockeyville USA.

Through February 29, fans can help the rink by sharing a link to the rally page on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. More points can be earned for the rink if fans upload photos and videos, write short notes and like the photos and videos of others on the El Paso rally page.

Contest officials will review applications and tally points in early March. The four finalist cities for the designation will be announced on March 22, to kick off a second round of community rallying and support.

“We know we have the best fans in Junior Hockey here in El Paso, and we’re honored that they nominated us for this important award,” Herman said. “To bring this title to a city like El Paso will go a long way in expanding the reach of this beautiful sport.”

Voting will take place on March 28-29, and the 2020 Kraft Hockeyville USA winner will be announced on or around March 30.

In their final home series of 2019, the Rhinos will host the Seattle Totems and hold a toy drive to brighten the holidays for local families.

Fans who donate will have the chance to win a signed Rhino jersey and a gift from Alamo Drafthouse.

Following the series, Rhino and Totem players will deliver the donated toys to the La Posada Home on Sunday at 10 am. The Reynolds Home will pick up toys from the rink on Monday at 8 am. Both shelters assist women and children in need.

Last weekend, the Rhinos traveled to Pueblo, Colorado where they dropped the first two games against the Bulls but came from behind to earn a 3-2 win in game three.

For the first time in WSHL history, Seattle Totems will travel to the Sun City. The Totems will trek over 1600 miles for the matchup against the Rhinos on December 13, 14, and 15.

El Paso enters the series sitting atop the Midwest Mountain Division with a record of 21-4-1-1 (W-L-OTW-OTL). Seattle has only played 18 games and has tallied eleven wins, including one overtime victory, and seven losses.

The puck will drop at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and 4:30 pm on Sunday at the El Paso County Coliseum Events Center (4100 E. Paisano). Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online or by calling the El Paso County Coliseum Box Office at 915-533-9899.

After two wins on the road in Northern Colorado this past weekend, the Rhinos are back at home for their Thanksgiving series.

During the team’s final November home series, the Rhinos will welcome hundreds of Boy Scouts and recognize scouts and scout leaders. This year marks the tenth season that the Rhinos have partnered with the Boy Scouts of America Yucca Council to raise money for local scouts.

On Wednesday and Friday, the Rhinos will also skate in Dia de los Muertos themed jerseys and auction them off following Friday’s game.

Each night will also feature youth hockey games and FREE post-game skating with the team for all fans.

The puck will drop at 7 pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the El Paso County Coliseum Events Center located at 4100 East Paisano.

Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online or by calling the El Paso County Coliseum Box Office at 915-533-9899.  For more info on the team, visit their website.

The Rhinos are back at home for Teacher Appreciation this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as they take on the Dallas Snipers.

By presenting a valid school staff ID at the Box Office, teachers, as well as school and district employees receive one free ticket to each game this weekend.

After a hard-fought series in Oklahoma last weekend, the Rhinos are still atop the Midwest Mountain Division.

In game one, El Paso fell to the Oklahoma City Blazers, 4-1, but posted a 6-1 win in game two. On Sunday, the Blazers scored first in game three and led the Rhinos by three goals at the start of the third period.

Less than seven minutes in, Heath Drye cut the Blazers lead to two before Jonathan Gullstedt, Sam Sykes, and Easton Easterson scored, respectively, three more unanswered goals in the final minute and five seconds to earn a 5-4 win in regulation.

This weekend, they welcome to El Paso the Dallas Snipers, who are currently ranked fifth in the Midwest Mountain Division.

In El Paso’s first regular-season series of the season, the Snipers forced a shootout in game one.

The Rhinos earned the win and went on to claim victories in games two and three. The series was not without dozens of penalties and intense physicality, which is likely to carry over into the upcoming games.

The puck will drop at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 4:30 pm on Sunday at the El Paso County Coliseum Events Center (4100 E. Paisano).

The El Paso Rhinos drop the puck on their regular season at home with their annual Military Appreciation Series this weekend.

A large part of the fabric of life in El Paso, the Military community is essential to the Sun City, Head Coach Cory Herman explains.

“It’s hard to think of El Paso without mentioning all the military men and women that put their lives on the line every day. It’s important that we take the time thank them and show that we appreciate how tirelessly they work for our community and our country.”

On Thursday, preceding the series, the Rhinos will join the Bulldog Brigade on Ft. Bliss for a Military Day in which the players experience a simulated battlefield using the Army’s premier combat simulation system.

The team will also wear military themed jerseys and auction them off during Friday’s game.

For their regular season home opener, the Rhinos will also welcome home alumni Chris and Marcus Wilhite, David Nelson and Austin Hoff, who now coach the Pueblo Bulls.

After nine games, Pueblo leads the Midwest Mountain Division with six wins and two overtime losses.  El Paso currently has a record of 5-1-0-0 (W-OTWOTL-L) and is looking to extend their six-game win streak.

The puck will drop at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday and at 4:30 pm on Sunday at the El Paso County Coliseum Events Center (4100 E. Paisano).

With a valid Military ID Card or Veteran Identification Card, active and retired military personnel, veterans and their families receive free admission to this home series and every home series.

Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased online or by calling the El Paso County Coliseum Box Office at 915-533-9899.

Over the past ten years, the El Paso Rhinos have developed a school mentorship program that has become known as the “Skate Mates Educational Program.”

To expand community education efforts this season, Skate Mates will now include the Boys and Girls Club after-school program.

Rhinos Head Coach Cory Herman explains why Skate Mates has become such a significant part of the Rhinos’ philanthropic initiatives.

“It’s important for children to have mentors so they have someone to look up to and can develop a strong sense of who they want to become. Mentoring is also good for our players because it reminds them that they are held to a high standard and have a responsibility to
give back to the community that has been so good to our organization.”

Boys and Girls Clubs of El Paso’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Tomasheski, also expressed his enthusiasm for the new working relationship.

“We are excited about our amazing partnership with the Rhinos. Athletes are a great example for kids. Their drive, determination, and discipline are qualities that our children can take and apply to their everyday lives.”

The Rhinos will ‘drop the puck’ on the new partnership with the Boys and Girls Club by visiting the main location at 801 South Florence Street this week.

Over the next six months, the players will regularly visit five schools and the Boys and Girls Club. They will become mentors that work closely with students on educational tasks and encourage them to excel outside the classroom.

This weekend, the Rhinos will welcome the Mexican National Hockey Team for a two-game series on September 28 and 29 at the El Paso County Coliseum Events Center.

This series will be the first of its kind, as no other junior hockey team in the United States has had the privilege of playing a team comprised of Mexico’s top players.

“They compete at the World Junior Championships every year and it is exciting for our organization that they chose us to play,” Rhino Head Coach Cory Herman said.

Saturday morning, both teams will visit the El Paso Children’s Hospital (4845 Alameda Ave.) at 10 am to greet patients before stopping by the Rhinos’ training facility, Wolves Den Gym (1010 Wall St.), at noon.

Fans will be able to meet the returning Rhino alumni as well as current Rhinos and Mexican National Team players in a meet and greet at the rink at 6 pm, just before Saturday’s game. Also on Saturday, the Rhinos will be clad in commemorative “Los Rinos” jerseys that will be auctioned off immediately following the game.

All proceeds will benefit the El Paso Community Foundation Shooting Victims’ Fund.

Tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster or at the County Coliseum Box Office. The puck drops at 7 pm on Saturday and 4:30 on Sunday.

After winning two consecutive Thorne Cup Championships, the El Paso Rhinos are back on the ice for their second annual Black and Orange inter-squad game on Friday.

“The Black and Orange game is important to see how our guys play in an actual game format,” Head Coach Cory Herman explains, “It is also great for our future players to see what it is like to play a home game in Rhino Country.”

Currently, the Rhinos have 38 players from five different states and seven countries including Sweden, Russia, Germany, Mexico, Canada, and Denmark.

Eight of those players are returning from last year’s championship team but for the others, the Black and Orange game will be the first time they set foot on El Paso’s ice in a home-game atmosphere.

After the inter-squad game, the Rhinos will host their first opponent of the 2019-20 season, the Mexican National Team. The historic match-up will be played on Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29 and tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.

Friday’s game is FREE! The doors open at 6 pm and the puck drops at 7 pm at the El Paso County Events Center located at 4100 East Paisano.

For game details or more information, call 915-479-PUCK (7825).