NA Now: El Paso Rhinos
The NA Now video series features an in-depth look into all NAHL teams as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. One team will be highlighted every day, leading up to the start of the regular season on September 12, 2025. Each interview features each team’s head coach, as they dive into detail on the expectations and outlooks for this upcoming season.
El Paso Rhinos
Head Coach: Mike Rivera (2nd season)
2024-25 Regular Season Record: 29-26-1-3 – 62 points (5th in South Division)
2024-25 Leading Scorer: A.J. Reed (18-19–37)
2025 Playoffs: Lost South Division Play-In Series 2-1 against the New Mexico Ice Wolves
2025-26 Division: South Division
Location: El Paso, Texas
Formation Year: 2021 (5th season)
“I grew up here. I was a rink rat in El Paso. I worked at the rink from 16 all the way to the time I was done with junior hockey,” said Head Coach of the Rhinos, Mike Rivera. “When the opportunity rose to come back and be near family and coach in the rink that I grew up in, and stand in front of the locker room where I once sat, it's something special. It's almost hard to put into words, but the one thing that I can say is that this means a lot more to me than probably the average coach coming through these doors.”
Mike Rivera will continue to lead the charge for the El Paso Rhinos this upcoming season. His connection to the Rhinos and the city of El Paso runs deep. He grew up in the rink and once laced up for the Rhinos. His special connection to the organization makes him excited to serve as the bench boss and continue the El Paso Rhinos legacy.
Next up: Elmira Aviators
