West Texas Wranglers join NA3HL, expanding hockey in Amarillo

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced the approval of the West Texas Wranglers as a new expansion franchise in the league's South Division.

The team will be affiliated with the North American Hockey League's (NAHL) Amarillo Wranglers, providing young players the opportunity to showcase their abilities and compete for a chance to join the NAHL club while playing locally.

The Wranglers are set to begin play in the fall of the 2025-26 season, marking them as the fourth expansion team joining the league that year. Home games will be held at the Amarillo Ice Ranch, located just across the street from the Budweiser Bull Pen, where the NAHL club plays.

The Ice Ranch will host 22 home games, offering fans an electric atmosphere and proximity to the NAHL team.

The NA3HL features a 47-game schedule, including three games at the NA3HL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota, in December. Fans can watch all 22 away games and the Showcase on NATV.

Austin Sutter, team owner and president, expressed enthusiasm for the new team.

"This is a major step forward for hockey in Amarillo," said Sutter. "The launch of the West Texas Wranglers in the NA3HL gives local players and families another incredible opportunity to pursue junior hockey right here at home. Amarillo continues to grow as a hockey community, and we’re proud to be recognized as one of the premier junior markets in North America."

Sutter emphasized the team's commitment to the NAHL model.

"We believe the combined strength of the NAHL, NA3HL, and NAPHL footprint is the best in all of junior hockey. Our commitment is simple: the West Texas Wranglers will mirror the standards of the NAHL Amarillo Wranglers when it comes to player development, fan engagement, billet support, and creating a first-class experience for everyone involved."

Brit Brookes, an NA3HL alumnus, will serve as the General Manager of the West Texas Wranglers. Brookes, who previously played with the Louisiana Drillers and the Long Beach Sharks, will lead the team in crafting its inaugural roster through the NA3HL Draft on April 30, where the Wranglers hold the first overall pick.