The Colorado Avalanche just announced Zack Stortini as the first head coach of the New Mexico Goatheads on Saturday. Stortini is a longtime hockey professional who will now be handling the job of building a new ECHL franchise from scratch. 

The Goatheads are now the ECHL affiliate of the Avalanche and Colorado Eagles. They are set to start playing in October at the Rio Rancho Events Centre. This is the return of hockey to New Mexico for the first time in nearly two decades.

Stortini is the face of the new expansion program. All while holding onto a connection with the Rio Rancho community. Goatheads General Manager Jared Johnson talked about why Stortini stood out from the others during the search.

“From the beginning, Zack stood out because of the energy and leadership he brings to a locker room," Johnson said. "He understands the importance of culture, accountability, and building a team that fans can rally behind. This is a massive moment for our organization, and we're excited to have Zack leading us into our inaugural season."

Stortini expressed appreciation for the opportunity. "I am grateful to the organization for the opportunity to be the first head coach of the Goatheads and am really looking forward to leading the new ECHL club," he said.

"I'd like to thank REV Entertainment, Jared Johnson, and Mike Battaglia for their trust in me, as well as extend a big thank you to the whole Goatheads organization and the Rio Rancho community. I am excited to get started this season,” he later adds.

Stortini worked as an assistant coach for the Tucson Roadrunners. He worked for about three seasons right after the OHL's Sudbury Wolves. 

From the Ice to the Bench

Earlier, before getting into coaching, Stortini spent 14 seasons as a player. He earned himself a reputation as one of the toughest players in hockey at the time.

He played in 257 NHL games with the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators. This was after being selected by Edmonton in the third round of the 2003 NHL draft.

Most of Stortini's career was spent in the AHL. He won two Calder Cup championships. That includes a 2019 title with the Charlotte Checkers. Even during his stint with Charlotte, he earned the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year award for his charitable work in the community.

His experience as a player and an influential figure now in hockey shows us that this is exactly what’s required to build the foundation of a first-year expansion franchise.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Ankita Yadav