Jason Marsella Becomes First Ever NAHL Draft Pick for Rhinos

Jason Marsella, a 5-11 defenseman from Greenwich, Connecticut was chosen first overall by the El Paso Rhinos today in the NAHL Supplemental Draft. The 18-year old is committed to Yale University, but he will develop his game for the Rhinos before he makes the jump to the Ivy League.

"I was just working out and in the middle of doing some squats on a bench and I got a phone call telling me that I was drafted and it was a good moment for sure," Marsella told Rhinos Director of Operations Tyler Deloach. "I am not the most vocal person, but I will lead by example, come to the rink ready to work, and be proud to wear that (Rhinos) jersey."

With the 29th overall pick in the supplemental draft, the Rhinos selected Jonathan Horn, a 19-year old forward from Southbury, Connecticut. Their third and final pick was Aleksi Kayra, a 20-year old forward from Finland. Each team in the NAHL is allowed four imports on their roster.

Yesterday, the team officially announced that Nick Mammel will be coaching the NA3HL Rhinos for the 2021-22 season. The 27-year old will be receiving his first head coaching position in the same league that he played in just seven years ago. "We felt Nick was a great fit for our organization," Rhinos general manager Cory Heon said. "We were looking for someone younger with great drive and new ideas. His high energy and experience in the NA3HL will help us develop players and give them the best opportunity to move up to our NAHL team."

Anthony Bohn has already been named the Rhinos first ever head coach in the NAHL, and he replaces Cory Herman, who will shift his time to the business side. The Rhinos just held their Mega Camp Showcase last week in Blaine, Minnesota. They took a lot of their future prospects for both the NAHL and NA3HL teams to the camp and it went extremely well. Next, they will prepare for their tryout and development camp later this month in El Paso. Hundreds of players between the ages of 16 and 20 are expected to arrive in town and compete for a spot on the team's inaugural NAHL roster during the four day camp from June 24-27.