ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – Professional hockey is set to arrive in central New Mexico this fall as the New Mexico Goatheads prepare for their first season.
The team announced its inaugural home opener will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Rio Rancho Events Center—marking the first time the puck will drop for the franchise on home ice.
The Goatheads are an expansion team in the ECHL and will be affiliated with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche. Team officials say the upcoming season will feature a full 72-game schedule, bringing professional hockey action to the Albuquerque metro area.
Opening night is expected to include a high-energy atmosphere and fan promotions, with the first 6,000 fans receiving commemorative LED glow rods. The opponent for the debut game is expected to be announced soon.
Organizers say the home opener represents a major milestone, not just for the team, but for hockey fans across New Mexico, as the sport continues to grow in the region.
Tickets and more information are available through the team’s website and the Rio Rancho Events Center.
