We are thrilled to be able to introduce you to Ben Danford, the NM Ice U16AA coach for the upcoming season.  Ben is retiring from pro hockey this year when the ECHL playoffs with the Toledo Walleye come to an end.  After an incredibly  successful and rewarding hockey career, Ben is ready to give back to the Game and we are lucky to have him committed to move to Albuquerque this summer!

An important part of Ben’s development background has been creating and running skills clinics for all ages and high level development training for junior and college players in the summers.  You should also know that Ben is Phil Fox’s cousin, so a big thank you goes out to Coach Phil for helping to bring Ben Danford to Albuquerque as we continue to build and grow our hockey program.  As with Phil and Kyle, Ben will be helping with players and teams at every level, will also serve as Director of Hockey at Outpost Ice Arenas and will be one of the assistant coaches of the NAHL NM Ice Wolves with a focus on defense and special teams.  His top priority, though, will be as head coach of our U16AA NM Ice team.

All U16 age players in the state interested in travel hockey for the upcoming season are invited to a free camp with Coach Ben, Coach Phil and Coach Kyle on May 24 and 25 at 6:45-7:45pm at Outpost Ice Arenas.  So, please mark your calendars and spread the word to your friends to join us then.  Go to the NM Ice website to sign up for the U16 camp in late May.

Having a high level U16 team going forward is especially important to NM Ice going forward is especially important going forward because of the potential connections with the NAHL team that debuts at Outpost this season. Other programs across the US and Canada find opportunities for youth players to participate in some Junior A practices, special events and even some scrimmages because a connected U16 team is an important feeder to the junior team.