[Albuquerque, NM] – Sandia Area Federal Credit Union is proud to announce a new partnership with the New Mexico Ice Wolves for the 2026–2027 season.

A credit union and a hockey team may seem to have little in common, but both Sandia Area and the Ice Wolves organization share a commitment to growing better communities.

The Ice Wolves’ home is in the heart of New Mexico, at Outpost Ice Arenas, where the team passionately promotes youth hockey through organized youth teams and community events such as the annual “Try Hockey for Free Day.”

Sandia Area kicked off support of the Ice Wolves organization by committing $12,000 to the youth hockey programs that also call the Outpost Ice Arena home—the all-girl New Mexico Mustangs, the youth Ice Wolves (NM Ice Hockey Foundation), and the NM Blade Runners, an adaptive sports sled hockey team.

The New Mexico Ice Wolves compete in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), which is beginning its 52nd season with 36 teams spread across the United States. The NAHL is a USA Hockey Certified league with players ranging from 16 to 20, who are on an elite path to NCAA college hockey and beyond. The NM Ice Wolves also has a development team competing in the NA3HL, with players of the same ages and on a path to the NAHL and/or college hockey.

For Sandia Area President & CEO Kevin Todd, the partnership strikes an emotional chord.

“Team sports can be a transformative experience for kids, teaching teamwork, discipline, confidence, and perseverance,” said Todd. “Sandia Area is proud to be a part of bringing that experience to New Mexico families through our support of New Mexico Ice Wolves.”

The Ice Wolves mirror that sentiment.

“Sandia Area is a true community treasure that provides invaluable support to the youth in our community. We are especially grateful for their support of young skaters, hockey players and all ice sports in our Land of Enchantment”, said Stan Hubbard, owner and president of the NM Ice Wolves and Outpost Ice Arena.

That shared commitment has brought the organizations together to support local nonprofits like Locker #505, which provides gently used clothing and essential items to school-aged children.

Over the summer, members of the all-girls New Mexico Mustangs, joined Sandia Area volunteers to sort clothing donations at a Locker #505 volunteer event. These efforts help provide local children with essentials while demonstrating the impact of community organizations working together.

The 2026–27 season starts September 11, 2026, with a two-game homestand against the Odessa Jackalopes at 6:30 pm. Sandia Area and the NM Ice Wolves are looking forward to the season and even more so, to the impact we can provide in our community by working together.

Learn more about Sandia Area’s volunteer efforts at Sandia.org.

About the New Mexico Ice Wolves

The New Mexico Ice Wolves are a North American Hockey League organization committed to growing the game of hockey in New Mexico while providing young athletes with opportunities to develop both on and off the ice. Through its NAHL and NA3HL teams and connection to local youth hockey, the organization provides a pathway for players to develop their skills, pursue college hockey opportunities and reach their goals at the next level. Based at Outpost Ice Arenas in Albuquerque, the Ice Wolves are proud to be part of New Mexico's growing hockey community. Fans can learn more about the teams, their upcoming games and other activities at the arena by visiting www.nmicewolves.com, www.3hlnmicewolves.com and www.outposticearena.com.

About Sandia Area Federal Credit Union

Sandia Area, named New Mexico’s #1 credit union for four consecutive years, was founded in 1956 as a member-owned full-service financial institution and has since grown to serve more than 69,000 members throughout the thriving cities of Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales and Santa Fe as well as the counties of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Valencia, Torrance, Cibola, Rio Arriba, Mora, San Miguel, and Los Alamos. Sandia Area, New Mexico’s fourth largest credit union with assets totaling more than $1.4 billion, helps members thrive by offering members access to high-quality banking, loans, investment services, business banking and lending, and more. Sandia Area is dedicated to the well-being of our members, our community, and our environment.