Avalanche announce new historic affiliate team

Fansided | February 28, 2026

With the relocation of the Utah Grizzlies to New Jersey, the Colorado Avalanche were in search of another ECHL affiliate team. They found that missing piece in New Mexico's new pro hockey team, the Goatheads.

Feb 26, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; A detail view of the puck in the first period between the Colorado Avalanche and the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Earlier this season, the Utah Grizzlies announced the sale and subsequent relocation of their East Coast Hockey League team (ECHL) team to Trenton New Jersey at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.