The New Mexico Goatheads are poised to launch their inaugural professional season, showcasing a roster that blends AHL‑tested veterans with emerging talent. The team’s first contest is slated for October 16, when they will host the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center, marking the start of a new chapter for hockey in the state.
Roster reinforcements
The club announced the signings of four forwards who each bring a distinct pedigree. Briley Wood arrives after a 71‑game stint with the Rapid City Rush and a productive period with the Colorado Eagles, where he posted 32 points. Dakota Seaman, who logged 24 games for the Tulsa Oilers and accumulated 90 penalty minutes, adds a physical edge. Maxim Barbashev, a 50‑game ECHL veteran with the Utah Grizzlies and Allen Americans, brings 21 points of experience, while Jake Chiasson, a three‑year professional who contributed eight points in 20 AHL games for the Belleville Senators, rounds out the group.
All four players have navigated the minor‑league circuit, accumulating valuable minutes that the Goatheads hope will translate into on‑ice chemistry early in the season. Their diverse backgrounds — from the AHL to the ECHL — provide the coaching staff with depth and flexibility as they fine‑tune strategies for the opening matchup.
Beyond the new signings, the franchise emphasizes community engagement and a commitment to competitive play. The team’s schedule will feature a series of home games at the Rio Rancho Events Center, each designed to foster local support and grow the sport’s footprint in New Mexico.