The New Mexico Goatheads have added a physical presence to their blue line, signing defenseman Aaron Chiarot to an ECHL contract for the 2026-27 season.
Chiarot heads to New Mexico following his rookie professional season, appearing in 22 ECHL games between the Rapid City Rush, South Carolina Stingrays and Cincinnati Cyclones. He finished the season in Cincinnati, recording his first career ECHL point with an assist.
“Aaron brings size, toughness and a real competitive edge to our back end,” said Head Coach Zack Stortini. “He plays a hard, physical game and isn’t afraid to make his presence felt. He’s a dependable defender who competes every shift, protects the hard areas of the ice and brings the kind of edge we want on our team.”
At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, Chiarot brings plenty of size and physicality to New Mexico. The 24-year-old accumulated 41 penalty minutes across his 22 ECHL appearances last season, including 32 in 12 games with South Carolina.
Chiarot also appeared in eight games with the Birmingham Bulls of the SPHL during his first professional season, recording three points (1 goal, 2 assists).
Before turning pro, the Hamilton, Ontario native spent two seasons at the University of Windsor, appearing in 32 games and recording two points (1 goal, 1 assist) along with 73 penalty minutes.
Hockey runs in the Chiarot family. Aaron is the younger brother of longtime NHL defenseman Ben Chiarot, who currently plays for the Detroit Red Wings.
Chiarot adds another element of size and toughness to the Goatheads' inaugural defensive group as New Mexico continues building toward its first season in franchise history.
The Goatheads open the 2026-27 regular season on Friday, Oct. 16, against the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
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