El Paso Rhino FAQ
The El Paso Rhinos are a Junior A Tier III ice hockey team. The Rhino organization’s goal is to develop hockey players in order for them to pursue scholarships for college hockey or to play professional hockey.
What is Junior 'A' hockey?
Junior 'A' hockey is the top level of amateur hockey played in North America. There are three tiers in Junior A, tier I being the most elite level. The El Paso Rhinos were a Junior B team last season but by meeting certain criteria USA Hockey granted Junior A Tier III status to WSHL.
How old are the players?
The players range in age from 16-20 years old.
What league do the El Paso Rhinos play in?
The Western States Hockey League. The Rhinos are in the Mid-West division of the WSHL.
Who are the other teams in the WSHL?
The Western States Hockey League consists of 10 teams and two divisions. The Mid West division consists of the Cajun Catahoulas from Louisiana, the Tulsa Rampage, the San Antonio Diablos, the Dallas Hawks and of course our own El Paso Rhinos. The Western division is made up of the San Diego Surf, the Valencia Vipers, the Bay City Bombers, the Capital Thunder ( Roseville, CA ) and the Phoenix Polar Bears. The Colorado Outlaws, from Westminster, CO; are a new team added to the Mid West division this season.
How did the El Paso Rhinos do in the 2006-07 inaugural season?
The Rhinos reintroduced hockey to the El Paso area in a big way in their first season. Their record was an astounding 40-6-1, clinching the Mid West division title. The Rhinos faced San Antonio in the first playoff round and Tulsa in the second, sweeping both teams to earn a spot in the finals against perennial winners the Phoenix Polar Bears. That was not the end of the Rhinos season as their spot in the finals also afforded them a trip to Nationals in Grand Rapids, MI . The team truly represented El Paso playing with heart and determination. The Rhinos division consisted of teams ranked, 2nd 3rd and 4th nationally. In a close game the St. Louis Jr. Blues edged out the Rhinos but in a huge upset the El Paso soundly defeated the Boston team. Unfortunately Suffolk PAL ruined any chance of the Rhinos heading to the playoff rounds. The team ended a season that exceeded all expectations. Not only did the team have a phenomenal year but so did several of our players. Marcus Wilhite finished 5th in the league in overall scoring and although Corey Jendras was picked up by the NAHL Santa Fe Roadrunners in January and only played 32 games as a Rhino he still placed 6th in the scoring race. Captain Tad Norris and Marcus Wilhite were both selected for the WSHL All Star team. Goalie Derrick "Brickwall" Brennan, with a 91% save average and a 2.72 goals against average placed 3rd amongst the league's top goaltenders.
Where do the El Paso Rhinos play?
The El Paso Rhinos play at the Sierra Providence Events Center located at 4100 E. Paisano, El Paso . The Center is located behind the El Paso County Coliseum and opposite the El Paso Zoo.
Where do the players come from?
The coaching staff recruits players from across the United States. Players from Europe and Canada can try out for the El Paso Rhinos but only two slots are available to non-Americans.
Who is the Head Coach?
Cory Herman is the Head Coach and General Manager.
How much are tickets?
Ticket prices start at $5.00 and top off with our glass seats at $20.00 per game.
What do season tickets cost?
Season tickets are begin at $100. EPHA youth program participants only pay $40. Season tickets do NOT include playoff tickets.
Is the team involved in the community?
The team is involved in Partners in Education with El Paso Independent School Districts and Socorro ISD. The players visit the schools, mentoring and speaking to students. They bring with them public skating passes and game tickets to be used as student incentives. The Rhinos also skate with school children during their field trips to the rink and after home games. The El Paso Rhino’s mission is to build a community supported Junior 'A' hockey franchise that is exciting entertainment, accessible and competitive. We are focused on building a team that values excellence on the ice and in the community. We are committed to partnering with the community to provide support for various groups and non profit organizations. The Rhinos are involved with outreach programs, their goal being to enhance the quality of life for the youth of El Paso.
