From Rio Rancho Observer
By Dan Allison
RIO RANCHO — The hot August sun just makes you think of ice hockey, no?
Things are heating up in the McDermott Athletic Center as the University of New Mexico men’s club hockey team opens up their training camp for the 2026 season.
Camp is set for Aug 13. and will run through the week before official practices begin, with the Ice Lobos’ first game rapidly approaching on Sept. 4 at Colorado University in Boulder.
These sessions include on-ice time, gym workouts and team-building exercises, an activity the club might need after a big offseason of roster additions.
July included the Lobos landing three more players, all forwards, setting up for another season of offensive firepower.
Michael Trudeau comes to the Land of Enchantment from San Jose, California, playing in top junior levels before making the move to don cherry red.
“I’m beyond excited for this opportunity as a student and a hockey player for the Lobos,” Trudeau said. “We are going to have an incredible group of young men, hungry to perform at their best and to represent the university on and off the ice.”
Moving to the middle of the country, Michael Longmire comes from Naperville, Illinois. A passion for playing and also teaching the game of hockey, Longmire’s fundamentals and technical work will pay dividends for the Lobos this season.
“I’m grateful for the unique and novel opportunity to continue my hockey journey and education at the University of New Mexico,” Longmire said.
The Ice Lobos will be sharing the MAC with the New Mexico Goatheads this season, as the new ECHL franchise has labeled the Rio Rancho facility as their practice home.
Another thing in common with the Goatheads? Going international for talent. Exhibit A: Sander Selvaer.
From Stavanger, Norway, Selvaer will pack his elite scoring ability with him for the move to the Southwest.
“I’m very excited to bring some of Norway over to New Mexico,” Selvaer said. “I can’t wait to meet the team and get to work. Go Lobos!”
UNM has made changes behind the bench as well. Former head coach Grant Harvey, who stepped down from the position before former player and captain Jarrod Ronquillo took over, will return to coaching as an assistant coach on Ronquillo’s staff.
The Ice Lobos are coming to form. How will they look when they hit the Rio Rancho ice for the first time on Sept. 18 against Colorado State?
(Originally published at https://www.rrobserver.com/sports/unm-mens-club-hockey-ready-for-camp-with-season-opener-under-a-month-away/3100176)
