It’s been a topic of discussion over the past few years, and today, it came to fruition as the ECHL is expanding to Rio Ranchero, New Mexico. The 2026-27 season will be the third straight season with at least one new team in the league. ECHL New Mexico will play its games at the Rio Ranchero Event Center, which holds 7,000 people. Rio Ranchero Event Center previously hosted hockey from 2006-2009 and again from 2010-2012.
“It is with great pleasure that the League welcomes REV Entertainment, and the New Mexico region, to the ECHL as our 31st Member Team, as we progress the growth of the League to align with the National Hockey League and American Hockey League,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “REV has a proven track record of managing professional sports teams at the highest level, and we are thrilled with their commitment to bring professional hockey back to the state of New Mexico. This expansion speaks to the growth of our game throughout the continent, and will be an exciting addition to our rivalries in the Mountain Division, and a geographic fit for Affiliation development.”
ECHL Commissoner Ryan Crelin on the league expanding to New Mexico (via league press release)
The franchise will be run by REV Entertainment’s Sports Management Division. REV has prior experience in the league as they served as a managing partner for the Allen Americans. REV will also have some help with the Dallas Stars, who will serve as hockey operations consultants for the launch of the team.
The fans will decide on a team name, and the link to vote on the team name can be found here.
What’s Next For The ECHL?
The league has mentioned that they want to align themselves with the NHL and AHL and go to 32 teams. If that is the case, we should see at least one more expansion team join the league, possibly more if the NHL decides to expand as well. One possible option could be another team in Canada to join the Trois-Rivieres Lions after the Newfoundland Growlers folded. If not, I would expect another team in the Central.
ITR 36: Coaching Carousel – Inside The Rink
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