From Rio Rancho Observer
By Dan Allison
RIO RANCHO — Now in June, it feels as if the college hockey season was ages ago, with the next campaign still months away.
But while summer isn’t typically a time for ice hockey news, the Lobos are bucking the trend.
The University of New Mexico’s men’s club hockey team has been quietly bolstering its roster for the 2026-27 season on top of adding new leadership at the helm.
Here are all the new (or familiar) faces coming to the McDermott Athletic Center rink this fall:
Jarrod Ronquillo, head coach
A new position for an old face as Jarrod Ronquillo will take over as head coach for the cherry red this upcoming year.
An assistant coach in the Lobos’ conference-winning 2025-26 run on top of coaching the UNM women’s team, Ronquillo is bringing quite the resume behind the bench.
Ronquillo played for the Lobos from 2016-22, with his 117 goals making him the all-time leader for the young program.
His 205 points make him the all-time points leader as well, making two ACHA national tournament appearances in 2018 and 2022.
“We have the best community in the entire world,” Ronquillo told Observer correspondent Daniel Zuniga. “I love Albuquerque; I’ve been here for 10 years. We are doing everything we can to engage the community with this ice hockey team.”
Julian Martinez, forward
Participating in the Lobos Prospect Camp in early May, Martinez committed to the team following the three-day event at the MAC.
Out of El Paso, Martinez brings years of junior hockey experience to the college scene.
“I’m beyond excited to join the Lobos family,” Martinez said on Instagram. “Grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a strong, winning culture.”
Dax Bourgeois, forward
A fellow Texas native, Bourgeois also committed after the Lobo Prospect event.
A talented shot with speed to go alongside, Bourgeois should be a solid pickup for the Lobos’ scoring depth.
“I am really excited to be joining such a strong group of guys who are ready to win,” Bourgeois said.
David Vargas, defense
UNM will get some defensive help via some homegrown talent, with Vargas coming out of Taos.
The local talent played for the Los Alamos Hilltoppers in high school, fulfilling a dream the defender has had since his youth.
“The Lobos have been a team I have watched since I was a little kid,” Vargas said. “Having the chance to play is a lot more special than some would think.”
Davin Seibel, forward
A seasoned forward out of the USPHL, Seibel hails from North Dakota as he makes his way to the Land of Enchantment.
Already with ACHA experience under his belt, Seibel looks to be a reliable option amid a young Lobos team.
“I’m super excited to be a Lobo and make a lasting impact on the program and help set a new standard for what a Lobo hockey player is,” Seibel said.
Zander Anderson, defense
Last, but not least, Anderson announced his commitment to the program as the first commitment in the month of June for the Lobos.
Coming from Palmer, Alaska, Anderson brings size and skill to the table to help New Mexico’s defensive core.
“I’m very excited to become a Lobo,” Anderson said. “Joining a group of guys who are ready to play and take our game to the next level.”
(Originally published at https://www.rrobserver.com/sports/lobo-look-in-unm-mens-hockey-active-on-recruiting-trail-with-new-head-coach-preparing-for-2026-27-season/3056884)
