The Amarillo Wranglers have recently shared some exciting news over the past month naming Matt Hill as the new head coach of the Wranglers as well as adding a new NAHL3 team to the franchise.
President and owner of the NAHL Amarillo Wranglers Austin Sutter recently announced the acquisition of a North American 3 Hockey League team. The N3 (as it’s affectionately known) is a tier 3 junior league that is owned and operated by the North American Hockey League. The West Texas Wranglers will play all of their home games at the Amarillo Ice Ranch with a few opportunities at the Budweiser Bullpen.
Long time Amarillo native and hometown hockey player Brit Brookes will be the general manager of the organization. Brookes brings a litany of executive experience as he was working behind the scenes for the Amarillo Wranglers as a scout and in various executive roles. Brookes’ extensive playing history in our community and his complete understanding of what is needed to succeed in the Amarillo ADI will only enhance and compliment this new organization.
Austin Sutter, President of the Amarillo Wranglers, was recently announced as the head coach of the WTX Wranglers. Sutter’s coaching history in our community is legendary and is certain to bring a competitive advantage to this startup organization.
Not only will this team help the Amarillo Wranglers as a farming system, it will also provide next level hockey opportunities for local and regional players. Recently the WTX Wranglers held a camp with over 50 players in attendance. These players came from all over the region, including Amarillo, Odessa, as well as New Mexico, Oklahoma, etc. Homegrown hockey players are making an impact as we are now seeing local players drafted in both the NAHL and NA3L.
For decades Amarillo has been a destination spot for world class hockey players. Now it is becoming a developmental spot for world class hockey players as our home-grown players now have accessibility to world class coaching, facilities, and some of the best hockey fans in the country. As Timbuk 3 used to sing “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.”
Michael Hill has been hired as the new Head Coach of the Amarillo Wranglers. Previously the Associate Head Coach for the Shreveport Mud Bugs, Hill will take over the head coaching duties for the Wranglers in the 25/26 hockey season and beyond. Hill will be the fifth coach in four seasons for the Amarillo Wranglers franchise. With a wealth of North American hockey League coaching/playing experience, Hill is considered a “hot prospect” within the junior league hockey coaching space.
He began his NAHL career with the Wichita Falls Wildcats as a shooting sniper. He also played two seasons for the Topeka Roadrunners and was involved in one of the most controversial fisticuffs that occurred at the Budweiser Bullpen between the Amarillo Bulls and the Roadrunners. He played his college hockey at Saint Norbert College. He had a brief stint in the professional ranks playing in the ECHL and SPHL.
Hill began his coaching career with the Texas Junior Brahmas, GM and head coach in the North American 3 Hockey League (a tier 3 Junior league). He also acted as the Lone Star Brahmas strength and conditioning coach. His NAHL coaching journey began with 3 seasons as an assistant coach for the Aberdeen Wings, winning a Robertson Cup. Most recently, coach Hill held the position of Associate Head Coach with the Shreveport Mudbugs for the last 3 seasons.
I asked Coach Hill what type of a team can we expect for the 25/26 season? He answered succinctly and in a concise manner by saying “A very structured team that’s going to be battling at every second of the game.” He went on to say that the blue-collar style of hockey would be on full display.
The volatility in the head coaching position with the Amarillo Wranglers has been quantifiable. With the experience, attitude and Texas swagger that coach Hill represents, this volatility should subside. The future looks extremely bright for the Amarillo Wranglers with this coaching hire.
Former Wranglers head coach Cory Wogtech and assistant coach Ryan Seavy in what is being described as a “mutual agreement” have parted ways with the Amarillo Wranglers.
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 102.9 FM the Panhandle Sports Star.