By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
Before the Goatheads have played a single shift, they’ve already made history: forward Grant Ahcan is officially the O.G. (Original Goathead) and the first player ever signed by the new franchise, inking an ECHL deal for the 2026-27 season.
“Grant Ahcan embodies everything we want the New Mexico Goatheads to represent,” Head Coach Zack Stortini said, calling the 24-year-old a leader who “competes the right way every day.”
Ahcan captained St. Cloud State in 2025-26 after 114 career games there, then made his pro debut late last season with the Iowa Heartlanders. He also skated at the Colorado Avalanche’s development camp this summer.
Hockey runs deep in the family — brother Jack plays for the Nashville Predators organization, and brother Roman suits up for the Cleveland Monsters.
Watch the Goatheads
- Opening Night: Friday, Oct. 16, Rio Rancho Events Center
- Tickets: Season, half-season and quarter-season memberships on sale now at NMGoatheads.com/tickets