Jennings Named New GM

Jan 2, 2023

The Rhinos are excited to announce Steve Jennings as the organization’s new General Manager.

Jennings is a Boston native who has a long history of coaching and working in hockey. A Naval Academy alumnus, Jennings served as the Assistant Coach at his alma mater for two seasons before completing his military service in 1996. He resumed his coaching career as the Assistant Coach at Lehigh University from 1998 to 2002. He subsequently entered the corporate world and simultaneously worked for various minor hockey organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, Georgia, and Tennessee.

He has scouted for NAHL teams since 2004 and from 2013 to 2022, Jennings served as the Director of Player Personnel for the Topeka Roadrunners and Aberdeen Wings. While with Aberdeen, Jennings led the construction of teams that earned three Robertson Cup tournament berths and one Robertson Cup Championship title. In 2021, he went on to become the Wings’ head coach for one season.

Two of Jennings’ crucial tasks as El Paso’s General Manager will be to recruit top players and develop them while they play in Rhino Country. “We all want the same thing—to make the Rhinos a highly sought-after destination for players and a fertile recruiting ground for colleges and universities. I want to help build a winning tradition,” he said.

“We couldn’t be more excited to add Steve to our organization,” Corey Heon said. “A hard worker and quality leader, Steve has an excellent hockey mind and his ability to communicate in detail compliments our organization.  He has been in hockey at a high level for a long time, has worn many hats along the way, and knows what it takes to win.”

Formerly the General Manager, Heon will maintain an active role with the Rhinos as the organization’s president. “Bringing Steve on will allow us to focus on improving the organization in new ways,” Heon added. “We’re all eager to work together to ensure the Rhinos have success on and off the ice.”