Youth hockey players in El Paso cheer for the El Paso Rhinos, wear their favorite Rhino jerseys, wear Rhino hats and beenies, wait after the games for their favorite players autograph and dreaming that one day they would skate out of the Rhino head as a member of the team.
Tonight is Mike Rivera’s chance.
Rivera has been practicing with the Rhinos since day one, juggling school, Midget travel team, working at the arena and playing in the adult recreational league. A pretty heavy schedule for pretty much anybody.
However the improvement that he has made and the strides he has taken on the ice has given him the opportunity to suit up for the Rhinos tonight against their tough rivals from Oklahoma, the Tulsa Rampage.
“Mike deserves a shot, he has worked very very hard and improved so much since his first practice. Mike is a good example and role model to all youth players that play in El Paso, he is dedicated, has a good work ethic and takes advantage of all the ice time he can get”
– Coach Herman
So from all of us guys up in the crow’s nest Mike, Good Luck tonight you deserve it.
