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New Mexico Ice Wolves
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The New Mexico Ice Wolves are a Tier II junior ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's South Division. The Wolves play their home games in the Outpost Ice Arenas in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Key Information
History
[edit]On February 28, 2019, the NAHL board of governors announced that they had approved the membership application for a team in New Mexico owned by Desert Ice Investment, LLC and that the team would start play in the 2019–20 season as a member of the South Division.[3] Their inaugural season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team had already been eliminated from playoff contention with 31 points in 52 games played. The team still won several postseason accolades such as Southern Division Organization of the Year and the NAHL's overall Organization of the Year.[4][5] The following season, the team was forced to play home games in Texas due to the pandemic restrictions in New Mexico.[6]
In 2022, the Ice Wolves added a Tier III junior team of the same name in the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL).[7]
Season-by-season records
[edit]| Season | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | Pts | GF | GA | Finish | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | 52 | 13 | 34 | 2 | 3 | 31 | 105 | 190 | 6th of 7, South 24th of 26, NAHL |
Season cancelled |
| 2020–21 | 56 | 21 | 30 | 3 | 2 | 47 | 147 | 184 | 5th of 6, South 19th of 23, NAHL |
Did not qualify |
| 2021–22 | 60 | 38 | 16 | 2 | 3 | 81 | 193 | 145 | 2nd of 8, South 4th of 29, NAHL |
Won Div. Semifinal series, 3–2 vs. Wichita Falls Warriors Won Div. Final series, 3–2 vs. Lone Star Brahmas Lost League Semifinal series, 1–2 vs. New Jersey Titans |
| 2022–23 | 60 | 33 | 23 | 3 | 1 | 70 | 195 | 170 | 5th of 8, South 10th of 29, NAHL |
Did not qualify |
| 2023–24 | 60 | 32 | 19 | 6 | 3 | 73 | 195 | 179 | 4th of 8, South 13th of 32, NAHL |
Won Div. Play-In series, 2–0 vs. Amarillo Wranglers Lost Div. Semifinal series, 1–3 vs. Lone Star Brahmas |
| 2024–25 | 59 | 31 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 69 | 163 | 155 | 4th of 9, South 15th of 35, NAHL |
Won Div. Play-In series, 2–1 vs. El Paso Rhinos Lost Div. Semifinal series, 0–3 Lone Star Brahmas |
References
[edit]- ^ "Ice Wolves unveil new logo". NAHL. April 22, 2019. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
- ^ "Meet the new head coach of the New Mexico Ice Wolves". Albuquerque Journal. September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
- ^ "NAHL team in New Mexico approved for the 2019–20 season". NAHL. February 28, 2019. Retrieved August 6, 2019.
- ^ "Ice Wolves are excited about post season accolades and the future". KRQE. April 5, 2020.
- ^ "NAHL announces 2019–20 season awards". NAHL. April 2, 2020.
- ^ "Ice Wolves adapt to playing away from home". OA Online. March 29, 2021.
- ^ "NA3HL announces new team in Albuquerque, New Mexico". NA3HL. March 4, 2022.
External links
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New Mexico Ice Wolves
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Franchise
Founding and early development
The New Mexico Ice Wolves were established as an expansion franchise in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) when the league approved the team on February 28, 2019, making it the seventh member of the South Division.[10] Albuquerque was chosen as the home city, with the team planning to play its games at the Outpost Ice Arenas, a facility aimed at supporting local hockey growth.[3] In March 2019, the organization named Phil Fox, a former NAHL player and coach, as its inaugural head coach and general manager, tasked with building the roster and operations from the ground up.[11] The 2019–20 season marked the team's debut, during which it competed in 52 regular-season games and compiled a record of 13 wins, 34 losses, and 5 overtime losses.[12] The season came to an abrupt halt in March 2020 when the NAHL suspended and ultimately canceled all remaining games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[13] Despite the challenges of launching a new franchise amid the disruption, the Ice Wolves were recognized with the NAHL's Organization of the Year award for their effective inaugural efforts in team building, player development, and community engagement.[14] The following 2020–21 season presented further obstacles, as strict public health restrictions in New Mexico prevented the team from hosting games at home, leading to a temporary relocation of home games to the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, Texas.[15] The Ice Wolves played a full schedule of 56 games, finishing with 21 wins, 30 losses, and 5 overtime losses, which placed them outside the playoff positions in the South Division.[16] From the outset, the franchise focused on fostering youth hockey connections and community outreach in Albuquerque, partnering with local organizations like the New Mexico Ice Hockey Foundation to introduce the sport to young players and promote events at Outpost Ice Arenas.[17]Ownership and management
The New Mexico Ice Wolves are owned by Desert Ice Investment, LLC, an entity led by Stan E. Hubbard and his family, who acquired the Outpost Ice Arena in mid-August 2018 as a foundation for expanding ice sports in the region.[2][18] Hubbard, a media executive serving as CEO of REELZ and chairman of Hubbard Media Group, entered hockey ownership to promote the sport in New Mexico, where ice hockey has historically faced geographic and infrastructural barriers.[19] His involvement includes a seat on the USA Hockey Foundation board since September 2022, where he contributes to initiatives supporting youth and junior hockey development nationwide.[20] Under Hubbard's leadership, key management has emphasized operational stability and growth. Kyle McKenzie serves as general manager and head coach since May 2025, with a focus on player development programs and forging community partnerships to enhance local engagement.[21] Prior to this role, McKenzie progressed through the organization from player development coordinator in 2023, building expertise in talent pipelines and billet family coordination. The administrative structure prioritizes NAHL compliance, including mandatory criminal background checks for host families, while providing education support to ensure players pursue academic goals alongside hockey, often leading to NCAA commitments.[22][23] Financial and operational decisions reflect a commitment to sustainability and expansion. In August 2024, the team announced a multi-year partnership with Chevron to fund initiatives growing hockey and ice sports participation in New Mexico, including youth clinics and facility enhancements.[24] Following the 2018 arena purchase, over $2 million was invested in renovations, such as upgraded ice surfaces and spectator amenities, to support professional operations. In 2022, the ownership launched an affiliated NA3HL Tier III team, creating a developmental ladder for local talent under the same management umbrella.[25][26]Team identity and facilities
Logos, colors, and uniforms
The primary colors of the New Mexico Ice Wolves are yellow, red, and turquoise, drawing from the state's official colors of red and yellow—symbolizing the heritage of Old Spain as seen on the state flag—and turquoise, the state gemstone representing Southwest cultural elements.[27] The team's logo, unveiled on April 21, 2019, depicts a stylized wolf head silhouette infused with New Mexico motifs, including the Zia sun symbol embedded in the turquoise eyes and along the snout, a red-to-yellow gradient on the face evoking the Sandia Mountains at sunset, glistening stars and a crescent moon to honor the region's clear skies with over 300 sunny days annually, and a nose shaped like a hot air balloon in tribute to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.[27] The away uniforms incorporate the yellow and red state colors as the base, accented by a turquoise sky backdrop featuring stars, a moon, the Sandia Mountain profile (visible when the logo is rotated clockwise), the Zia symbol, and the balloon-inspired nose for a design that celebrates local pride.[28] The team mascot, Chilly the wolf, supports fan engagement by nodding to New Mexico's renowned green chile alongside the icy theme of the sport.[28] Uniforms are produced in partnership with K1 Sportswear, the official outfitter for the North American Hockey League, and include special editions for Southwest-themed promotions such as Dia de los Muertos jerseys debuted in 2021 and veteran-honoring designs in 2023, which feature turquoise accents and cultural symbols like aviator glasses reflecting state heritage. In 2025, the team wore special jerseys to support the Tunnel to Towers Foundation during the first three months of the season.[29][30][31]Arena and operations
The New Mexico Ice Wolves play their home games at Outpost Ice Arenas, a 97,000-square-foot facility located at 9530 Tramway Blvd. NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico.[32] The complex features two NHL-sized ice rinks connected by two smaller curling-sized training rinks, providing versatile spaces for hockey and other ice sports.[33] Each main rink offers seating for approximately 1,000 spectators, supporting intimate yet energetic game atmospheres.[34] Originally opened in 1987 by Bob and Pat Martin as a single-rink venue, Outpost Ice Arenas expanded over the years before being acquired by the Hubbard family in August 2018.[35][2] The Hubbards invested over $2 million in comprehensive renovations ahead of the Ice Wolves' inaugural 2019–20 season, updating the facility from the skate shop to the ice surfaces to enhance functionality for professional junior hockey.[18] The south rink serves as the designated home ice for the Ice Wolves, equipped with team-specific amenities including player lounges for recovery and preparation.[24] Day-to-day operations center on the Outpost facility, where the team conducts regular practices on the NHL-sized rinks, typically in the mornings or afternoons outside of game and public skate times. Players live with billet host families throughout the Albuquerque area, who provide housing, meals, and support in a stable home environment essential for the young athletes' development.[36] Travel logistics for the NAHL South Division involve bus trips or flights to opponents in states like Texas and Oklahoma, with road games often clustered to minimize disruptions to practice routines.[37] Outpost Ice Arenas plays a key community role by sharing its rinks with local youth hockey programs, including those affiliated with the New Mexico Ice Hockey Foundation, which fields teams under the Ice Wolves name to foster grassroots growth.[3] The facility hosts youth leagues, public skates, and developmental clinics alongside professional games, promoting ice sports accessibility in the region.[38] Maintaining operations in New Mexico's arid desert climate presents challenges, particularly for consistent ice quality, which requires robust refrigeration systems to combat high temperatures and low humidity.[18]Seasons
Regular season performance
The New Mexico Ice Wolves entered the North American Hockey League (NAHL) as an expansion team in the 2019–20 season, facing immediate challenges in their inaugural year with a shortened campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Playing 52 games, the team struggled offensively and defensively, finishing with a record that placed them last in the South Division. The following 2020–21 season saw marginal improvement but was marked by unusual circumstances, as the Ice Wolves temporarily relocated to El Paso, Texas, to play their home games amid New Mexico's public health restrictions. Despite the disruption, they competed in 56 games, showing growth in scoring but still missing the playoffs. From the 2021–22 season onward, the Ice Wolves demonstrated significant progress, leading the South Division for much of the year and establishing themselves as a competitive force in the league. This turnaround continued through the 2024–25 season, with consistent above-.500 records and multiple playoff qualifications. The team's offensive output averaged approximately 195 goals per full 60-game season from 2021–22 to 2023–24, though it dipped to 163 in the 59-game 2024–25 campaign, while defensive improvements helped reduce goals against.| Season | GP | W | L | OTL | Pts | Win % | GF | GA | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | 52 | 13 | 34 | 5 | 31 | 0.298 | 105 | 190 | Season shortened by COVID-19; last in South Division. |
| 2020–21 | 56 | 21 | 30 | 5 | 47 | 0.420 | 147 | 184 | Temporarily based in El Paso, Texas; 5th in South Division. |
| 2021–22 | 60 | 38 | 17 | 5 | 81 | 0.675 | 193 | 145 | Division-leading performance; 2nd in South Division. |
| 2022–23 | 60 | 33 | 23 | 4 | 70 | 0.583 | 195 | 170 | 5th in South Division. |
| 2023–24 | 60 | 32 | 19 | 9 | 73 | 0.608 | 195 | 179 | 4th in South Division. |
| 2024–25 | 59 | 31 | 21 | 7 | 69 | 0.585 | 163 | 155 | 4th in South Division. |
| 2025–26 | 17 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 22 | 0.647 | 56 | 48 | Ongoing as of November 15, 2025; season began September 12 vs. Amarillo Wranglers; 2nd in South Division. |
Playoff history
The New Mexico Ice Wolves entered the North American Hockey League (NAHL) in the 2019–20 season but have had limited postseason success, appearing in the playoffs three times through the 2024–25 season with an overall record of 12–12. Their playoff history reflects a competitive South Division but challenges in advancing beyond the division semifinals after an initial breakthrough run.[1] The 2019–20 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the cancellation of all NAHL playoffs before the Ice Wolves could participate. In 2020–21, the team finished with a 21–30–3–2 record and did not qualify for the postseason. The 2022–23 campaign saw another non-qualifying finish, as the Ice Wolves ended fifth in the South Division with 33–23–4, missing the top-four berth required for playoff entry.[39][40] The Ice Wolves' first playoff appearance came in 2021–22, where they earned the third seed in the South Division and achieved their most notable postseason success to date. In the division semifinals, they defeated the Wichita Falls Warriors 3–2, rallying from a 0–1 deficit with wins in games three (5–4 OT), four (wait, no: from earlier, games: L 3-4, W 2-1, W 5-4 OT, L 1-2 OT, W 4-2). This series marked the franchise's inaugural playoff victory. Advancing to the South Division Finals with home-ice advantage after a strong regular season, the Ice Wolves upset the top-seeded Lone Star Brahmas 3–2, overcoming 0–2 series hole with home wins of 3–0 and 4–3 OT before clinching 1–0 on the road. This propelled them to the Robertson Cup quarterfinals, where they fell 1–2 to the New Jersey Jr. Titans, winning the opener 3–1 before overtime losses in games two and three. The run highlighted the team's resilience and established their first series wins in franchise history.[41][42] In 2023–24, the Ice Wolves returned to the playoffs as the fourth seed, first sweeping the Amarillo Wranglers 2–0 in the division qualifying round (2–1 and 6–3 victories). However, they were eliminated in the South Division semifinals by the top-seeded Lone Star Brahmas, losing 1–3 after a 4–3 OT win in game three amid a series dominated by the Brahmas (3–1, 2–0, 4–0 losses).[43] The 2024–25 season brought another playoff berth as the fourth South Division seed, enabled by a 31–21–4–3 regular-season mark. They dispatched the fifth-seeded El Paso Rhinos 2–0 in the quarterfinals (wins of 4–1 and 4–0), securing their second sweep in franchise history. The run ended in the semifinals against the first-seeded Lone Star Brahmas, where the Ice Wolves were shut out 0–3 (4–0, 5–2, 3–1 losses), failing to capitalize on home-ice for the later games. As of November 2025, the 2025–26 season is underway, with playoff qualification pending.[44][45]| Season | Playoff Result | Record | Key Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | No playoffs (cancelled) | — | — |
| 2020–21 | Did not qualify | — | — |
| 2021–22 | Robertson Cup Quarterfinals | 7–6 | South Semifinals: W 3–2 vs. Wichita Falls South Finals: W 3–2 vs. Lone Star Quarterfinals: L 1–2 vs. New Jersey |
| 2022–23 | Did not qualify | — | — |
| 2023–24 | South Division Semifinals | 3–3 | Qualifying: W 2–0 vs. Amarillo Semifinals: L 1–3 vs. Lone Star |
| 2024–25 | South Division Semifinals | 2–3 | Quarterfinals: W 2–0 vs. El Paso Semifinals: L 0–3 vs. Lone Star |
| 2025–26 | Pending | — | — |