Rhinos Enter 20th Season
Published on August 17, 2026 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Last updated: August 17, 2026
Source: El Paso Rhinos News Release
EL PASO, Texas - Twenty years after the puck first dropped at the El Paso County Events Center, the El Paso Rhinos are throwing the doors open.
The Rhinos today announced that their entire 2026-27 preseason will be free to the public, beginning with the annual Black vs. Orange intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, August 29, followed by back-to-back exhibition games against the Odessa Jackalopes on Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5. All three games will be played at the El Paso County Events Center. Doors open at 6pm; puck drop is at 7pm.
The free preseason kicks off a full year of celebration marking two decades of Rhinos hockey in El Paso. Founded in 2006 by former El Paso Buzzards player Cory Herman, who set out to bring the sport back to the Sun City after the Buzzards folded in 2003, the franchise has grown from a first-year expansion club into one of the most decorated junior programs in the Southwest -- four Thorne Cup championships, ten-plus division titles, and, since 2021, a Tier II presence in the North American Hockey League, junior hockey's premier development league.
"We're excited about what this team brings into the new season. We've built a talented, competitive group that's ready to embrace the challenge ahead. Expectations are high, and we believe this team has the potential to do something special. We can't wait to get on the ice, compete every night, and give our fans a season they can be proud of," said Corey Heon, Rhinos President and General Manager. Head Coach, Mike Rivera, states, "We are excited about the players that are returning and the players we've signed through recruitment. Most importantly, we have a great opportunity to build on the standard that we established last season, which creates high expectations for this group."
The regular season home schedule begins Friday, September 18 at the El Paso County Events Center. The complete 2026-27 schedule, including all home and road dates, is available now at elpasorhinos.com.
Season tickets, group packages, and corporate partnership opportunities for the 20th anniversary season are available at elpasorhinos.com or by contacting [email protected].
2026-27 PRESEASON AT A GLANCE
DATE MATCHUP ADMISSION
Sat., Aug. 29 Black vs. Orange Intrasquad Game FREE
Fri., Sept. 4 Rhinos vs. Odessa Jackalopes FREE
Sat., Sept. 5 Rhinos vs. Odessa Jackalopes FREE
Fri., Sept. 18 Regular Season Home Opener Tickets at Ticketmaster.com
North American Hockey League Stories from August 17, 2026
- Bruins Announce Preseason Schedule - Austin Bruins
- Rhinos Enter 20th Season - El Paso Rhinos
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