The New Mexico Goatheads have added another physical presence to their forward group, signing 23-year-old forward German Yavaș to an ECHL contract for the 2026-27 season.
Yavaș heads to New Mexico after splitting last season between the Norfolk Admirals and Tulsa Oilers, appearing in 46 ECHL games and recording four points (1 goal, 3 assists) with 65 penalty minutes.
“German brings size, physicality and a real competitive edge to our lineup,” said Head Coach Zack Stortini. “He plays hard, he’s willing to go to the difficult areas of the ice and he brings an element of toughness that we want to be part of our identity. He’s still a young player with plenty of room to grow, and we’re excited to see him take another step with us here in New Mexico.”
At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Yavaș has established himself as a physical presence through his first two professional seasons. He has appeared in 91 career ECHL regular-season games, recording 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists) and 133 penalty minutes.
The Belarusian forward began his professional career with Norfolk in 2024-25, scoring six goals and adding three assists in 45 games while accumulating 68 penalty minutes. He also appeared in three games during the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
Yavaș came to the United States in 2021 and spent time with the Fargo Force and Lincoln Stars of the USHL before turning pro. He recorded 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) with Fargo and later posted eight goals and a team-high 100 penalty minutes in 46 games with Lincoln during the 2023-24 season.
With a combination of size, toughness and room to continue developing at just 22 years old, Yavaș adds another physical element to New Mexico's inaugural forward group.
The Goatheads open the 2026-27 regular season on Friday, Oct. 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