Last week, the University of Central Club Hockey Team announced the signing of former Rhino Simon Hobbis. In 53 games with the Rhinos, the English defenseman has posted six goals and 44 assists for a total of 50 points. The Rhinos’ top scoring defenseman was also ranked among the team’s five leading scorers. UCO is also the collegiate team of former Rhino captain and native El Pasoan Michael Rivera who was named the ACHA Tournament in MVP in 2015. The Bronchos have been the Western Collegiate Hockey League champions for two consecutive years, and recently won the 2017 ACHA Division I championship in March.
While England and hockey are rarely seen as synonymous, Hobbis began playing at a young age. As a child, he was taken to see a “Christmas Panto on Ice,” which is described as “a variety of acrobatic and artistic skating routines combined with comedy, glamour and festive fun.” After watching the ice skating show, his interest was piqued and he decided to learn how to ice skate. Shortly thereafter, a coach saw Hobbis skating, and impressed with his skill, invited him to play hockey. Twelve years later, he returned to the United States for his final year of junior hockey with the Rhinos.
Throughout his time in the Sun City, he enjoyed the sunshine of El Paso, a stark contrast to the rainy climate of England, and playing in front of the best fans in junior hockey. While he is back in the UK, Hobbis enjoys hanging out with his friends, working out, eating chicken and mushroom pie, and spending time with his pet rabbit, Molly.
We’d like to thank Simon for his dedication and commitment to the organization throughout the past season, and we wish him the best of luck as he continues his hockey career as a Broncho.