The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced Tuesday that Zack Stortini will serve as the new head coach of the New Mexico Goatheads, the ECHL affiliate that acts as a developmental pipeline for the NHL franchise.
Stortini, a veteran of 15 professional seasons that included 257 games in the NHL and 603 in the AHL, brings a blend of on‑ice grit and off‑ice community commitment to the role.
His most recent coaching experience came with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, where he guided the club to three consecutive playoff appearances and set a franchise record with 43 wins during the 2023‑24 season.
Stortini's playing résumé also features a Calder Cup championship with the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2007 and three nominations for the AHL's Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, which honors outstanding community service.
Ownership and Home Base
The Goatheads are owned and operated by REV Entertainment, a entertainment company headquartered in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The team will play its home games at the newly renovated facility in the city, marking a fresh start for the franchise.
Jared Johnson, formerly of the Huntsville Havoc in the SPHL, has been named the General Manager of the Goatheads. Johnson will oversee roster construction and day‑to‑day operations, bringing his own experience from minor‑league management to the role.