Goatheads name Stortini as first head coach
RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The New Mexico Goatheads announced that Zack Stortini has been named head coach ahead of the team’s inaugural 2026–27 season at the Rio Rancho Events Center. Stortini becomes the first coach tasked with leading the return of professional hockey to New Mexico, bringing with him a combination of National Hockey League experience, championship pedigree, player development and leadership that made him a standout throughout the coaching search process. “From the beginning, Zack stood out because of the energy and leadership he brings to a locker room,” said Goatheads General Manager Jared Johnson. “He understands the importance … Continue reading
Railers enter affiliation agreement with St. Louis, Springfield
Worcester, Mass. – The Worcester Railers Hockey Club announced that the Club has reached an affiliation agreement with the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League and the Springfield Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League through the 2030-31 season. “When we were assessing affiliation opportunities, we looked at a number of factors,” said Michael G. Myers, Worcester Railers Chief Operating Officer. “We took into account proximity, resources, and track record. Seeing what the Blues and their affiliates have done in recent history, excites us as an organization for what the future with St. Louis may hold. We look forward … Continue reading
Deslauriers signs 2-year contract with Hurricanes at Stanley Cup parade
Nicolas Deslauriers signed a two-year, $1.75 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. It has an average annual value of $875,000 and begins next season. The 35-year-old forward could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Deslauriers signed the contract onstage during the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup championship parade after general manager Eric Tulsky made the announcement. “Nic has fit in with our locker room and culture from day one when he got to Raleigh,” Tulsky said in a press release. “He provides a veteran presence and adds a physical element to our roster.” Deslauriers had one assist … Continue reading
AHL champion Toronto has seven former ECHL players
For the 35th season in a row the ECHL is represented on the American Hockey League champion as seven of the 25 players who played for the Toronto Marlies in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs played in the ECHL. There have been 164 former ECHL players on the last 20 AHL champions. The ECHL has had affiliations with 20 or more teams in the AHL each of the last 25 years. The Cincinnati Cyclones served as the ECHL affiliate for Toronto during the 2025-26 season. Former ECHL players who captured the 2026 Calder Cup title are Marc Johnstone (South Carolina, … Continue reading
Boudreau returns to Komets bench
Fort Wayne, Ind. – The Fort Wayne Komets announced today that Ben Boudreau will return to Fort Wayne for his second stint with the team after leading the Komets to a Kelly Cup championship in 2021. Boudreau, 41, spent two years with the Komets as an assistant before being promoted before the 2019 season. He returns to the Komets as the seventh-winningest coach in franchise history with a record of 134-96-27. “It takes someone to leave Fort Wayne to truly appreciate how great this organization is,” Boudreau said. “I may have left three years ago, but my heart never did. … Continue reading
Wolves lose Game 5, Marlies take Calder Cup
TORONTO—The Chicago Wolves’ 2025-26 American Hockey League season came to an end when they fell to the Toronto Marlies 4-3 in Game 5 of the Calder Cup Finals on Friday night at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Felix Unger Sorum had two goals and an assist and Josiah Slavin also scored but the Wolves came up short as the Marlies won the best-of-seven series 4-1 to capture the second Calder Cup championship in franchise history. The Wolves’ bid for a sixth league title—and fourth Calder Cup—came up short in their sixth trip to the Calder Cup Finals. Below is a link to highlights … Continue reading
