The Michael Hill Era has begun for the Amarillo Wranglers.
The first-year head coach and his team have played eight games in this young season and are currently in third place of the North American Hockey League South Division.
With Hill at the helm led by his blue collar attack, the Wranglers currently have a record of 4-3-0-1 with a total of nine points thus far. Veteran leadership along with some sensational rookie play have contributed mightily to this positive start to the year. Anchored by three seasoned players and recently announced Captain Jacob Miller(the points leader with five), the Wranglers start off this season with an 11-game road trip with their home opener Oct. 24, against the Odessa Jackalopes.
Opening the 2025-2026 season
The Wranglers opened the 2025-2026 campaign a few weeks ago taking a five hour bus ride down the I-40 corridor to Albuquerque, N.M., to battle the New Mexico Ice Wolves. The Ice Wolves were able to take two out of those three games in the opening series.
The Wranglers then made a long road trip to Shreveport for two games against the Mudbugs at the George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum. During that road stint Amarillo was able to win both matchups against Shreveport as goalie Trenton Peterson played sensational earning him NAHL South Player of the Week honors.
NAHL Showcase
The Wranglers were back on the bus following the wins in Shreveport, making a 20-hour bus ride to Blaine, Minn., to get set for the annual NAHL Showcase. The yearly pilgrimage held in Blaine at the Super Rink (16 sheets of ice) has become the destination event for College Scouts, Junior League enthusiasts and record crowds.
Amarillo’s first game was an exciting 3-2 victory against a very good Chippewa Steel. Returner defensemen and fan favorite Padriaic Whited scored his first goal of the season and is currently on a scoring hot streak. Rookie Ian Buors executed more sensational play as he scored his first winning goal of his NAHL career.
In Amarillo‘s second game of the tournament, the Wranglers lost in an exciting shootout with the Rochester Jr Americans 4-3. Unfortunately, Amarillo was not able to rally back from a third period, two goal deficit in their last game of the tournament against the North Iowa Bulls (formally the Amarillo Bulls). The Bulls held onto the 2-0 lead, and registered their second win of the showcase.
Next up
Amarillo plays a single game Saturday against the New Mexico Ice Wolves at the Outpost Ice Arena in Albuquerque, N.M.
Editor’s Note
Please listen for Tommy Tee‘s weekly recap of the Amarillo Wranglers hockey on the “Drive at Five” with Lance Lahnert every Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m. exclusively on 710-AM KGNC.
