Goatheads Add Russian Forward Artem Pugachev
Published on July 28, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
New Mexico Goatheads News Release
The New Mexico Goatheads have added international experience to their inaugural roster with the signing of forward Artem Pugachev to an ECHL contract for the 2026-27 season.
Pugachev joins New Mexico after spending the past four seasons playing professionally in Russia's VHL. The 2026-27 season will mark his first time playing in North America.
"Artem is a dynamic player who competes at a high pace and brings a strong two-way presence to the ice," said Head Coach Zack Stortini. "We are confident that his energetic playing style and commitment in all areas of the game will make him a valuable addition to the New Mexico Goatheads."
Pugachev is coming off his most productive professional season, appearing in 54 regular-season games with Izhstal Izhevsk in 2025-26 and recording career highs with five goals, eight assists and 13 points. He also added a goal in five playoff appearances.
He began his professional career with Zvezda Moskva in 2022-23, recording seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 37 games. Pugachev spent two seasons with Zvezda before splitting the 2024-25 campaign between Yunison-Moskva and Molot Perm.
Prior to turning professional, Pugachev spent the 2021-22 season in Finland with KalPa U20. He recorded 19 points (10 goals, 9 assists) in 35 regular-season games before adding two goals in eight playoff contests.
Pugachev becomes the latest addition to the Goatheads' inaugural roster as New Mexico continues building toward its first season in franchise history.
The Goatheads open the 2026-27 regular season on Friday, Oct. 16, against the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
ECHL Stories from July 28, 2026
- Connor Caponi Inks Deal with Gladiators - Atlanta Gladiators
- Goatheads Add Russian Forward Artem Pugachev - New Mexico Goatheads
- Wichita Acquires Forward Jordan Biro from Greensboro - Wichita Thunder
- Vote Nugget: Voting Opens for 2025-26 ECHL Mascot of the Year - Rapid City Rush
- Jordan Biro Traded to Wichita in Futures Deal - Greensboro Gargoyles
- Royals Re-Sign Forwards Jeremy Michel, Austin Saint for 2026-27 Season - Reading Royals
- Jordan Steinmetz Returns for Second Season with Steelheads - Idaho Steelheads
- Komets Expand Roster by Two - Fort Wayne Komets
- Florida Agrees to Terms with Forward Isaac Nurse - Florida Everblades
- Tabor Heaslip Gears up for his Rookie Season with the Mavericks - Kansas City Mavericks
- Rush Announce 2026-27 Promotional Schedule - Rapid City Rush
- Thunder Re-Sign Defenseman Conner Hutchison - Adirondack Thunder
- Knight Monsters Name Connor Jones as New Head Coach - Tahoe Knight Monsters
- Nailers Re-Sign Aidan Sutter - Wheeling Nailers
- Spencer Blackwell Returns to Wichita - Wichita Thunder
- Stingrays Land Prolific Scoring Forward Zack Andrusiak - South Carolina Stingrays
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Other Recent New Mexico Goatheads Stories
- Goatheads Add Russian Forward Artem Pugachev
- Goatheads Sign Defenseman Brandon Chabrier
- Goatheads Add Defenseman Emmett Serensits to Inaugural Roster
- Goatheads Add Lynden Breen to Inaugural Roster
- Goatheads Add Veteran Defenseman Trevor Zins to Inaugural Roster
