League: AHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Goatheads name Zack Stortini as first head coach

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 3:06 AM

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

Hockey

Summary

Zack Stortini has been introduced as the first head coach of the New Mexico Goatheads at a fan event in Rio Rancho. Stortini, a 40-year-old former right-winger, has extensive experience from a professional playing career that includes 257 NHL games and 603 in the AHL. He transitions to coaching after spending time as an assistant coach in the AHL's Tucson Roadrunners. Stortini expressed eagerness to lead the Goatheads and impact young players as the team prepares for its inaugural season.

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By the Numbers

•Zack Stortini introduced as Goatheads' head coach on June 21, 2026
•Stortini played 14 seasons in professional hockey
•He served as an assistant in the AHL prior to this role
•Goatheads are the ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche
•Free agency opens soon for player acquisitions

Latest Updates

3:06 AMYahoo Sports — Goatheads new head coach brings strong roots to role

What they're saying

"
RIO RANCHO — Zack Stortini wasn’t naive. Certainly not to the business of professional hockey. Before the 2018-19 season came to an end, the right-winger, the one who made his livelihood as an enforcer protecting his team’s best player and punishing whoever was across the ice, knew his playing career was coming to an end. “More days behind you than ahead of you,” reminisced Stortini, the ...
— Yahoo Sports

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