El Paso is the reigning champion of the WSHL and appears poised to win another this season.

One of the most successful teams in the league year in and year out, the Rhinos have won 16 consecutive games heading into the new month and own a record of 36-4-1-1.

“Our guys are working hard but there is always room for improvement,” El Paso head coach Cory Herman said. “Things are going well and we are looking to have a strong finish this last half of the season.”

Herman said the consistency with which this franchise operates has a lot to do with the way it prepares for games during the week.

“It’s about how long we practice and how often we do it as well as the benefit of having great training facilities. That plays a huge part in it,” Herman said. “We also use the rapid shot system, and that’s been a big help, and we have a great atmosphere on game day.”

The Rhinos have been solid all year on both ends of the ice.

Niklas Ornmarker leads the way with 35 goals and 39 assists while Tomas Urbanec has come through with 26 goals and 38 assists. Eastern Easterson has tallied 24 goals and 28 assists.

Herman said this team has thrived behind its work ethic and its attitude.

“It’s a great group of hard-working players and they are all about winning,” Herman said. “They don’t care about stats. They want to do what benefits the team the most.”

Although a playoff berth is assured and likely the division title as well, Herman said it’s important for his team to continue to push forward and be at its best.

“The big thing is they just have to continue to do their job and do what it takes to put us in a position to win games. It’s about continuing to do the little things right,” Herman said.