RIO RANCHO, N.M. — The New Mexico Goatheads have added another player to their inaugural roster, announcing the signing of defenseman Aaron Chiarot to an ECHL contract for the 2026-27 season. 
Chiarot joins New Mexico after his rookie professional season, during which he played for the Rapid City Rush, South Carolina Stingrays and Cincinnati Cyclones. The 6-foot-4 defenseman brings size and physicality to the Goatheads’ blue line and is the younger brother of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot.
The signing is the latest move as the expansion franchise continues assembling its roster for its first season in Rio Rancho.
Players Announced So Far
Forwards
- Tyler Drevitch (F)
- Dakota Seaman (F)
- Briley Wood (F)
- Lynden Breen (F)
- Grant Ahcan (F)
Wings
- Maksim Barbashev (LW)
- Jake Chiasson (RW)
- Artem Pugachev (RW)
Defensemen
- Aaron Chiarot (D)
- Noah Barlage (D)
- Derek Daschke (D)
- Brandon Chabrier (D)
- Emmett Serensits (D)
- Trevor Zins (D)
With 14 players announced, the Goatheads likely still have between six and 10 roster spots to fill, including the addition of goaltenders and additional forward depth before opening night. No goaltenders have been announced publicly by the organization to date.
The Goatheads, affiliates of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and AHL’s Colorado Eagles, open their inaugural season on Oct. 16 against the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
Roster by the Numbers
- Players announced: 14
- Forwards/Wings: 8
- Defensemen: 6
- Goaltenders announced: 0
- Estimated spots remaining: 6-10
