The NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, in conjunction with the ECHL and the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, announced today that the New Mexico Goatheads will serve as the Avalanche’s ECHL affiliate, beginning with the 2026-27 season.

The teams agreed on a multi-year agreement.

The Goatheads are an expansion franchise and will play at the Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, N.M. It marks the first time a professional hockey team will compete in the state of New Mexico since 2009 when the New Mexico Scorpions played from 1996-97 – 2004-05 and 2006-07 – 2008-09. The ECHL announced it would be awarding an expansion club to Rio Rancho on May 2, 2025, and the franchise established their name in a reveal on Sept. 29, 2025.

“The ECHL is a key part of the Avalanche-Eagles player development equation, and we’re excited to establish this multi-year partnership with the New Mexico Goatheads,” said Avalanche assistant GM and Eagles GM Kevin McDonald. “We were impressed with the Albuquerque market when we were evaluating options, and Rio Rancho will provide a strong environment for players to grow both on and off the ice.”

“This partnership is about opportunity and growth,” added Goatheads GM Jared Johnson. “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 Utah Grizzlies previously served as the Avalanche’s ECHL affiliate from 2018-26. The club’s secondary affiliate has hailed from the ECHL every season dating back to 2014-15.

Four Avalanche players who have appeared in games for the team in 2025-26 are ECHL alumni in Scott Wedgewood, Mackenzie Blackwood, Trent Miner and Jack Ahcan. Additionally, head coach Jared Bednar’s previous hockey experience includes playing in the ECHL over parts of the 1993-98 and 1999-02 campaigns as well as coaching in various capacities from 2002-09. Bednar is also a member of the ECHL Hall of Fame. Avalanche assistant coach Nolan Pratt played in the ECHL for part of the 1995-96 season.

— Colorado Avalanche Staff

(February 21, 2026)