elpasorhinos.com: History

History

The El Paso Rhinos Junior B team was founded by ex El Paso Buzzard player Cory Herman. On October 26th 2006, in front of a very enthusiastic and supportive crowd, the first puck was dropped at the Sierra Providence Events Center.

In their inaugural year, with such overwhelming fan support and incomparable coaching the Rhinos went on to win the Mid West division of the Western States Hockey League with a 47-6-1 regular season record. Having home ice advantage in the playoffs, the Rhinos soundly defeated the Dallas Hawks in the first round. The second round was against theTulsa Rampage and in two straight games the Rhinos defeated their opponents in front of their home town fans. In the league finals the Rhinos hosted the Phoenix Polar Bears, who were looking to make it four in a row. Unfortunately with the Bears deep bench and experience our El Paso Rhinos were eliminated and Phoenix left El Paso with the WSHL Silver Cup.

With their spot in the finals the Rhinos were guaranteed a spot at Nationals, this year held in Grand Rapids, MI. The team did a phenomenal job representing the Western States Hockey League and the City of El Paso . It was the first time a Junior B team made it to Nationals in their inaugural season. In a three game series against the #1 ranked St. Louis Jr. Blues (and eventual 2006-07 National champions), #2 ranked Boston Jr. Bruins and the Suffolk PAL who were continually ranked in the top 5, the Rhinos showed themselves to be a team who played with heart and determination. They barely lost to the Blues and in an upset soundly defeated the Boston team. But a loss to Suffolk PAL removed them from any playoff spot. In the end the El Paso Rhinos finished within the top eight teams in the United States. It was an extremely rewarding experience for the team and put El Paso on the map as a hockey town despite the unlikely desert setting and high temperatures.

We are extremely proud of our fans who were voted the "Best in the League". We also ranked first in attendance amongst all teams in the WSHL. Our players were always eager to come home and play in front of their truly awesome fans.

The 2006-2007 season far exceeded anyone’s expectations; Coach Cory Herman, the Rhino players and the Rhino staff want to express their gratitude to you, for your support. From the billet families, to our game day volunteers and most importantly the fans, THANK YOU!!

See you for the 2007-08 season!



So you wanna be a Rhino? Invite Camp June 20th, 21st, and 22nd see article below....Rhinos finish season 56-2-2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
	History The El Paso Rhinos Junior B team was founded by ex El Paso Buzzard player Cory Herman. On October 26th 2006, in front of a very enthusiastic and supportive crowd, the first puck was dropped at the Sierra Providence Events Center. In their inaugural year, with such overwhelming fan support and incomparable coaching the Rhinos went on to win the Mid West division of the Western States Hockey League with a 47-6-1 regular season record. Having home ice advantage in the playoffs, the Rhinos soundly defeated the Dallas Hawks in the first round. The second round was against theTulsa Rampage and in two straight games the Rhinos defeated their opponents in front of their home town fans. In the league finals the Rhinos hosted the Phoenix Polar Bears, who were looking to make it four in a row. Unfortunately with the Bears deep bench and experience our El Paso Rhinos were eliminated and Phoenix left El Paso with the WSHL Silver Cup. With their spot in the finals the Rhinos were guaranteed a spot at Nationals, this year held in Grand Rapids, MI. The team did a phenomenal job representing the Western States Hockey League and the City of El Paso . It was the first time a Junior B team made it to Nationals in their inaugural season. In a three game series against the #1 ranked St. Louis Jr. Blues (and eventual 2006-07 National champions), #2 ranked Boston Jr. Bruins and the Suffolk PAL who were continually ranked in the top 5, the Rhinos showed themselves to be a team who played with heart and determination. They barely lost to the Blues and in an upset soundly defeated the Boston team. But a loss to Suffolk PAL removed them from any playoff spot. In the end the El Paso Rhinos finished within the top eight teams in the United States. It was an extremely rewarding experience for the team and put El Paso on the map as a hockey town despite the unlikely desert setting and high temperatures. We are extremely proud of our fans who were voted the "Best in the League". We also ranked first in attendance amongst all teams in the WSHL. Our players were always eager to come home and play in front of their truly awesome fans. The 2006-2007 season far exceeded anyone’s expectations; Coach Cory Herman, the Rhino players and the Rhino staff want to express their gratitude to you, for your support. From the billet families, to our game day volunteers and most importantly the fans, THANK YOU!! See you for the 2007-08 season!