Hello, NHL: Goatheads' affiliation announcement may be close

RIO RANCHO — Last week, the Goatheads announced that they would be closing their team store at The Block at Enchanted Hills in preparation for what is next to come for the franchise, including its NHL affiliation.

For those who may not know, being affiliated with an NHL franchise means serving as the team's talent pipeline. Teams at the top level send their up-and-coming talent and potential stars to the minor leagues to develop their game, filling out the roster for these minor league teams, such as the Goatheads.

But which team will it be for Rio Rancho’s newest team on ice?

While the organization has not announced anything yet, here are some likely candidates to take the New Mexico upstart under their wing.

Utah Mammoth 

Perhaps the most “obvious” potential move of the bunch is the Goatheads linking with the Utah Mammoth.

It is a simple equation. Both being new kids on the block, Utah needs an ECHL partner, and New Mexico needs one for the NHL.

Utah entered into a one-year partnership with the Allen Americans for its inaugural season last year, then known as the Utah Hockey Club. But with the deal ending without an extension and the team settling on their official name, they will now look toward cementing another step of the NHL journey: officially setting up their minor league partners.

Utah currently has no ECHL affiliate for 2025-26. Could New Mexico be the opportunity they are looking for?

Colorado Avalanche

The “fan-favorite” pick of the bunch would be the Colorado Avalanche. A six-hour drive away from Denver’s Ball Arena, Rio Rancho and the state of New Mexico are home to a boatload of Colorado sports fans.

But while New Mexico is gaining a team, Colorado is losing one.

Due to the emergence of the Utah Mammoth, the Avalanche’s Utah Grizzlies will be moving to Trenton, New Jersey, at the end of the season. With their ECHL team going from a state away to across the country, it may be time for Colorado’s next move in the minor leagues.

Choosing New Mexico would be an upgrade in distance, with it being roughly 100 miles closer to their current ECHL home of Maverik Arena in West Valley City, Utah.

If you want to try and really read between the lines, the color schemes match as well. Both the Goatheads and Avalanche prominently display a dark red, potentially making it easier to collaborate on merchandise.

Is the Rio Rancho Event Center on the verge of a “winter storm warning” with the Avalanche potentially coming to town?

Dallas Stars

The “in-house” prospect for the Goatheads would be their neighbors to the east, the Dallas Stars. The Stars organization is already overseeing part of the new team, acting as a consultant in hockey operations and player development for New Mexico’s new crew.

REV Entertainment, the organization that oversees the Goathead team operations within its sports management division, also has quite the Lone Star State portfolio. REV oversees several Texas teams and venues, including Globe Life Field, the home of MLB’s Texas Rangers. 

While it may be convenient for the Dallas team to link up with the Goatheads, a recent extension of the Stars’ affiliation with the Idaho Steelheads leaves the team partnered up until the end of the 2026-27 season, most likely putting this Texas-sized idea to bed. But never say never.

So, where will the Goatheads land? Dallas, Colorado, Utah or elsewhere: We will have all the details upon release, here for you at the Rio Rancho Observer.