RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The New Mexico Goatheads have added Abby Russo as Head Athletic Trainer and Matt Miletich as Head Equipment Manager ahead of the club’s inaugural 2026-27 season.
Russo joins New Mexico after serving as Athletic Trainer for the Iowa Heartlanders during the 2025-26 season through the organization’s partnership with University of Iowa Health Care Sports Medicine. She previously served as the Jacksonville Icemen’s Athletic Trainer during the 2024-25 season.
Prior to Jacksonville, Russo worked with the Allen Americans during the 2023-24 season while completing her graduate studies and also assisted at the 2023 Dallas Stars Development Camp. She earned her Master of Science in Athletic Training from Texas Christian University after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Health & Exercise Science from the University of Oklahoma.
Miletich comes to the Goatheads after spending nearly three seasons with the Allen Americans. He joined Allen as an Assistant Equipment Manager in October 2023 before being promoted to Equipment Manager in December, a position he held through the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
During his time in Allen, Miletich oversaw the day-to-day operations of the equipment department, including equipment maintenance and repair, game-day preparation, laundry operations and the packing and transportation of team equipment for road games.
Before beginning his career in professional hockey, Miletich built an extensive background in operations, logistics and leadership, including more than eight years of service with the U.S. Army and positions with the Defense Logistics Agency and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
Russo and Miletich join Head Coach Zack Stortini and Assistant Coach Matt Register on the Goatheads’ hockey operations staff as the organization prepares for its first season in the ECHL.
The Goatheads open their inaugural season on Friday, October 16 against the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
New Mexico Goatheads
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trenton Ironhawks
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers