HOMESTAND PREVIEW: GOATHEADS SET TO MAKE HISTORY WITH INAUGURAL OPENING WEEKEND

Homestand Preview presented by Ideal Curb Appeal

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The wait is almost over. Professional hockey is officially returning to New Mexico, and the New Mexico Goatheads are ready to make history as they kick off their inaugural 2026–27 ECHL season with three games at the Rio Rancho Events Center from October 16–18.

Opening Weekend, presented by Del Norte Credit Union, will feature three consecutive matchups against the Idaho Steelheads, exclusive giveaways, and special fan experiences as the Goatheads take the ice for the first time in franchise history.

With Opening Night on Friday, October 16 already sold out, fans will have two more opportunities to be part of the historic weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 – INAUGURAL OPENING NIGHT

Opponent: Idaho Steelheads
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM MT
Promotion: Light-Up Foam Stick Giveaway – First 6,000 Fans
Tickets: SOLD OUT

History will be made Friday night as the New Mexico Goatheads officially take the ice for their first regular-season game in franchise history.

For the first time in nearly two decades, professional hockey will return to New Mexico as the Goatheads welcome the Idaho Steelheads to the Rio Rancho Events Center.

Fans attending the sold-out inaugural Opening Night will be part of a historic celebration, with the first 6,000 fans receiving light-up foam sticks to help illuminate the arena for the franchise's first game.

With a packed house expected, Opening Night promises to be an unforgettable beginning to a new era of professional hockey in New Mexico.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 – RALLY TOWEL GIVEAWAY

Opponent: Idaho Steelheads
Puck Drop: 7:00 PM MT
Promotion: Rally Towel Giveaway – First 3,000 Fans

The Opening Weekend celebration continues Saturday night as the Goatheads square off against the Idaho Steelheads for the second consecutive game.

Fans will have another opportunity to experience the excitement of professional hockey in New Mexico, with the first 3,000 fans through the doors receiving a commemorative Goatheads rally towel.

Whether attending their first professional hockey game or returning to the rink after years away, fans can help establish a new home-ice atmosphere at the Rio Rancho Events Center.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 – TEAM POSTER GIVEAWAY & POSTGAME AUTOGRAPHS

Opponent: Idaho Steelheads
Puck Drop: 3:00 PM MT
Promotion: Inaugural Season Team Poster Giveaway – First 3,000 Fans + City Of Rio Rancho Pucks – First 2,500 fans
Special Event: Postgame Team Autograph Session

Opening Weekend wraps up Sunday afternoon with a family-friendly matchup against the Idaho Steelheads and an opportunity for fans to meet the inaugural Goatheads roster.

The first 3,000 fans through the doors will receive an exclusive inaugural season team poster commemorating the franchise's first team.

Following the conclusion of the game, fans are invited to stick around for a special postgame autograph session with Goatheads players, offering an opportunity to meet the team and have their posters signed.

With tickets starting at just $15, Sunday's matchup offers families an affordable opportunity to experience professional hockey and become part of the Herd.

A NEW ERA OF HOCKEY IN NEW MEXICO

Led by Head Coach Zack Stortini and Assistant Coach Matt Register, the Goatheads enter their inaugural season as the proud ECHL affiliates of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and AHL's Colorado Eagles.

Opening Weekend marks the beginning of a 36-game home schedule at the Rio Rancho Events Center, featuring exciting matchups, special theme nights, exclusive giveaways, and entertainment throughout the 2026–27 season.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early for each game to take advantage of promotional giveaways, available while supplies last.

Parking is free for all fans at the Rio Rancho Events Center.

For tickets to Saturday and Sunday's games, visit NMGoatheads.com.

The wait is over, New Mexico. It's time to make history.

The New Mexico Goatheads Homestand Preview is presented by Ideal Curb Appeal, bringing fans a look at upcoming home games, promotions, and special events throughout the 2026–27 season.