Professional hockey is returning to New Mexico after 17 years, as the New Mexico Goatheads announced their NHL affiliation with the Colorado Avalanche, drawing over 2,000 fans to Rio Rancho for the celebration. The announcement was made Saturday, Feb. 21. According to the ECHL, the agreement establishes a formal player development partnership, creating a clear pathway for players to advance within the Avalanche system while bringing professional hockey back to New Mexico. “The timing of the affiliation worked out perfectly,” Goatheads General Manager Jared Johnson said. “Outside of the name, probably the second-biggest secret we’ve had to keep in the last six months.” Johnson also said the Colorado Avalanche were the only team the Goatheads talked to, as they were looking for a new team in the ECHL due to their current team’s relocation at the end of the year.”It’s a close affiliation, you know,” said Mike Battaglia, who is head of U.S. scouting for the Colorado Avalanche. “It’s a fresh start with hockey here and for us.” The partnership aims to develop players for the next level. “It’s a way for us to bring more prospects in and have a little more time with all of them,” Battaglia said. The team plans to bring a consistent style to their play, emphasizing speed and competitiveness. “We like to play fast and we like to be competitive,” Battaglia said. “Those are two huge things for us. The only way players get better is by playing, and that’s a big piece, and winning. Hopefully we can establish that environment here.”The team also announced their mascot Billy as he energized the crowd, which has been eager to watch competitive hockey. While the possibility of hosting a preseason game with the Avalanche was discussed, the Goatheads’ general manager indicated it likely won’t happen this year but could occur in 2027.
Professional hockey is returning to New Mexico after 17 years, as the New Mexico Goatheads announced their NHL affiliation with the Colorado Avalanche, drawing over 2,000 fans to Rio Rancho for the celebration. The announcement was made Saturday, Feb. 21.
According to the ECHL, the agreement establishes a formal player development partnership, creating a clear pathway for players to advance within the Avalanche system while bringing professional hockey back to New Mexico.
“The timing of the affiliation worked out perfectly,” Goatheads General Manager Jared Johnson said. “Outside of the name, probably the second-biggest secret we’ve had to keep in the last six months.”
Johnson also said the Colorado Avalanche were the only team the Goatheads talked to, as they were looking for a new team in the ECHL due to their current team’s relocation at the end of the year.
“It’s a close affiliation, you know,” said Mike Battaglia, who is head of U.S. scouting for the Colorado Avalanche. “It’s a fresh start with hockey here and for us.”
The partnership aims to develop players for the next level. “It’s a way for us to bring more prospects in and have a little more time with all of them,” Battaglia said.
The team plans to bring a consistent style to their play, emphasizing speed and competitiveness. “We like to play fast and we like to be competitive,” Battaglia said. “Those are two huge things for us. The only way players get better is by playing, and that’s a big piece, and winning. Hopefully we can establish that environment here.”
The team also announced their mascot Billy as he energized the crowd, which has been eager to watch competitive hockey. While the possibility of hosting a preseason game with the Avalanche was discussed, the Goatheads’ general manager indicated it likely won’t happen this year but could occur in 2027.
