Hockey >> Minor League Hockey >> ECHL >> New Mexico Goatheads

The New Mexico Goatheads are a minor league hockey team. Based in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, they are a member of the ECHL.

Goatheads announce affiliation with Colorado Avalanche

February 22, 2026 - RIO RANCHO, N.M. - The New Mexico Goatheads announced a multi-year NHL affiliation agreement with the Colorado Avalanche as the team prepares for its inaugural 2026-27 ECHL season. "This partnership is about opportunity and growth," said Jared Johnson, General Manager of the New Mexico Goatheads. "Aligning with the Avalanche on a multi-year agreement gives our players a defined development path while delivering high-level hockey to our fans from day one." The agreement establishes a formal player development partners... Full Story

Introducing the New Mexico Goatheads

September 29, 2025 - Professional hockey has officially returned to New Mexico with the unveiling of the New Mexico Goatheads, the state's new ECHL franchise set to begin play in the 2026-27 season. The Goatheads name and identity pay tribute to both the region's rugged character and its unique natural landscape. The brand draws inspiration from the infamous goathead thorn, a hardy desert plant known for its toughness and ability to "stick” wherever it goes, a perfect symbol for a team built to leave its mark. The logo also incor... Full Story

• Goatheads announce affiliation with Colorado Avalanche - February 22, 2026
  
• Introducing the New Mexico Goatheads - September 29, 2025
  
• All Today's News

League: ECHL
Home: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Affiliation: Colorado Avalanche
Website: New Mexico Goatheads site
Schedule: Full New Mexico Goatheads Schedule

All times Eastern On game days, refresh page for latest results Full New Mexico Goatheads Schedule and Results

OurSports Central provides coverage of the following independent and minor league teams near the New Mexico Goatheads:

• Albuquerque Isotopes (PCL) - Albuquerque, New Mexico
  
• New Mexico Chupacabras (IFL) - Albuquerque, New Mexico
  
• New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL) - Albuquerque, New Mexico
  
• New Mexico United (USL) - Albuquerque, New Mexico
  
• Santa Fe Fuego (Pecos) - Santa Fe, New Mexico
  

• New Mexico Goatheads partner with NHL's Colorado Avalanche - ECHL KOBTV (February 23)
  
• Colorado Avalanche Tab Expansion New Mexico Goatheads As New ECHL Affiliate - ECHL FloHockey (February 22)
  
• New Mexico Goatheads become Colorado Avalanche ECHL affiliate and unveil Billy the mascot in Rio Rancho - ECHL Albuquerque Journal (February 22)
  
• New Mexico Goatheads to announce NHL and AHL affiliation, unveil new mascot in Rio Rancho - ECHL Albuquerque Journal (January 31)
  
• Top New Mexico sports stories of 2025: UNM football revival, Diego Pavia's historic season - ECHL Albuquerque Journal (December 29)
  
• New Mexico Goatheads chosen as name of state's new pro hockey team - ECHL KOBTV (September 30)
  
• New Mexico Goatheads: Rio Rancho pro hockey team team unveils name, logo - ECHL Albuquerque Journal (September 30)
  
• New Mexico Goatheads Ready to Butt Heads With Rest of ECHL After Name, Logo Reveal - ECHL Sports Logos Net News (September 29)
  
• ECHL Expansion Team To Be Called New Mexico Goatheads - ECHL FloHockey (September 29)
  
• New Mexico Pro Hockey Club announces nickname finalists: Cutthroats, Goatheads or Tarantula Hawks - ECHL Albuquerque Journal (June 20)
  
• 'A really compelling opportunity': Plans for ECHL's New Mexico Hockey Club unveiled - ECHL Albuquerque Journal (May 7)
  
• ECHL Announces Expansion Into New Mexico - ECHL The Hockey News (May 3)
  
• All Today's New Mexico Goatheads Headlines