Prospective Player Information

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The Outpost Ice Arenas

The newly renovated Outpost Ice Arenas is equipped with two full ice sheets connected by two skills training rinks to make our facility one of the most unique ice arenas in the country. This set up allows our athletes to access as much ice time as they need to further develop their game. Outside of our main arena, the ice tunnels were custom designed with sport specific skill development in mind which allows our goaltenders and players to focus on different elements to their game.

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Player Development

As an organization we look to provide our players with the best opportunity to reach their goal of playing NCAA D-1, D-3 and for some, professional hockey. The NAHL and our NM Ice Wolves organization works with advisors and scouts at every level of hockey including the NHL to promote our hard working and deserving players. In doing so, we take pride in providing the team with all the tools necessary to advance. In terms of development, individualization is a major focus of our program. Whether it be on ice, off ice or in the class room, each player is in need of something different. We look to educate each individual in the areas they need to focus on and provide them with the tools and opportunities to develop into a complete player giving them the best chance to move on to the next level.

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We worked closely with NHL shooting coach Scott Bjugstad to integrate specialized shooting specs to guide our players.

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Classroom

Video is an important tool that we utilize in the development of our team and individual players. Our philosophy is to individualize the video sessions to ensure each player grows and improves their game. Based on the playing experience from our coaching staff and feedback from our players, we find this approach most effective in teaching and developing our athletes.

Weekly Schedule

Most games in the NAHL are played on Friday and Saturday nights which leaves Monday through Thursday for preparation and development. Our belief as an organization is to make time for position specific skills practices before full team practices on a regular basis.  This allows our players to focus on the details to their game and the pursuit to be as consistent and efficient as they can. Team practices are then geared towards our identity as a team and how we want to play. Each practice is followed by an off-ice workout at the New Mexico Ice Wolves Speed Gym located right next to the arena.

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Off Ice Training

Next door to the Outpost Ice Arenas you will find a brand new hockey specific training facility equipped with every tool needed to help evolve our athletes off the ice. The Ice Wolves were extremely fortunate to have received input from player training and development expert Jack Batherwick, who is widely recognized as one of hockey’s top innovative thinkers. A sports physiologist who regularly consults with NHL, NCAA and Olympic hockey teams, Blatherwick’s guidance on the gym’s design means the NM Ice Wolves are able to provide players with the best resources available in order to help them get to the next level.

Host Families

The New Mexico Ice Wolves have built a successful and supportive host family program thanks to the wonderful families that have opened their homes to our players. In selecting our host families, we start by asking ourselves if we would want our own sons to live with a particular family.

Through questionnaires and in home interviews, we make individual housing decisions based on each player’s well-being and requirements, including nutritional needs, allergies, privacy, personal interests and any other special accommodations that may be needed. We are clear with all host families that we expect players to be treated like a family member and that there needs to be inclusion, respect and privacy to ensure the player is comfortable and well taken care of during their time with the team and family.

The expectation for our players to give back to the family by fully participating, as their schedule allows, is also made clear.  Our players are asked to include themselves into the everyday family routine, as much as possible, and to work on growing and maintaining their fit in the family dynamics. Each family understands their role in the process and understands they are fully supporting the goal for each of our players to achieve the next level in their hockey career.

For our younger players still finishing up high school, we have a good working relationship with the top public high school in the state that is also rated in the top 100 of all public high schools in the nation, La Cueva, to enroll high school seniors in classes and work with their team schedule. We also have other supportive public and private high school options locally, so each player and family can make the best decision for their individual situation.  The New Mexico Ice Wolves organization is committed to each players academic success and can provide tutors and other support, if needed or requested.

At the end of their time with the New Mexico Ice Wolves, we want each and every player to have fond memories of their host family, our state and our community as part of their journey on the road to being better hockey players and tremendous young men.

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