Zack Stortini named inaugural head coach of New Mexico Goatheads
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
Zack Stortini has been appointed as the first head coach of the New Mexico Goatheads, the ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, as announced on June 20, 2026. A former NHL enforcer with significant AHL experience, Stortini brings a winning mentality and leadership skills to the new franchise. He started his coaching career after retiring in 2019 and has worked with the Sudbury Wolves and Tucson Roadrunners prior to this role. The Goatheads are beginning their inaugural season this year, marking a new chapter in professional hockey in New Mexico.
- •Stortini is a former NHL player and two-time Calder Cup champion.
- •He played in 257 NHL games and over 600 AHL games.
- •Stortini previously coached with the Sudbury Wolves and Tucson Roadrunners.
- •The Goatheads will compete in their inaugural ECHL season this summer.
- 2:18 PMYahoo Sports — Former Oilers' Tough Guy Becomes Avalanche ECHL Coach
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — New Mexico Goatheads Reveal Inaugural Coach
"Former NHL enforcer and two-time Calder Cup champion Zack Stortini takes the reins in Albuquerque, bringing veteran grit and championship leadership to the Avalanche’s newest affiliate.
"Longtime NHL enforcer Zack Stortini brings his physical legacy and coaching experience to the desert as the first-ever head coach for the expansion New Mexico Goatheads.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 2:18 PMFormer Oilers' Tough Guy Becomes Avalanche ECHL Coach
Longtime NHL enforcer Zack Stortini brings his physical legacy and coaching experience to the desert as the first-ever head coach for the expansion New Mexico Goatheads.
- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 12:00 PMNew Mexico Goatheads Reveal Inaugural Coach
Former NHL enforcer and two-time Calder Cup champion Zack Stortini takes the reins in Albuquerque, bringing veteran grit and championship leadership to the Avalanche’s newest affiliate.
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