RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The New Mexico Goatheads, proud affiliates of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and AHL's Colorado Eagles, announced today that goaltender Nikita Novoselov and defenseman Connor Kelley have been assigned to the team by the Colorado Eagles.
Novoselov, 22, joins New Mexico while under an NHL contract with the Colorado Avalanche. The Russian goaltender signed a two-year entry-level contract with Colorado in June 2026 and began the 2026-27 season with the Eagles, appearing in two AHL games and posting a 2.45 goals-against average and .889 save percentage.
The 6-foot-2 netminder spent the 2025-26 season with Gornyak-UGMK of Russia's VHL, appearing in 40 games and posting a 2.10 goals-against average and .932 save percentage. He also appeared in 11 playoff games, recording a .924 save percentage.
Prior to joining the Avalanche organization, Novoselov gained professional experience in Russia's KHL and VHL.
Kelley, 24, joins the Goatheads after spending the 2025-26 season with the Utah Grizzlies, appearing in six ECHL games and recording one goal.
The Maple Grove, Minnesota native was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the seventh round (204th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot-2, right-shot defenseman made his professional debut with Colorado during the 2024-25 season, recording one assist in two AHL appearances.
Prior to turning professional, Kelley played five seasons of NCAA Division I hockey, spending two seasons at the University of Minnesota Duluth before transferring to Providence College for his final three seasons. Across 156 collegiate games, he recorded 38 points (7G, 31A) and a combined plus-34 rating.
Kelley also spent two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program before beginning his collegiate career. He helped Minnesota Duluth reach the Frozen Four in 2021 and served as an alternate captain at Providence during the 2024-25 season.
Both players join New Mexico ahead of the Goatheads' upcoming two-game home series against the Rapid City Rush on Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
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