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.

The ECHL announced Friday that the league Board of Governors has approved the expansion application Rio Rancho, New Mexico, which will begin playing in the 2026-27 season.

ECHL's New Mexico Hockey Club presser announces a pro Hockey team coming to Rio Rancho in 2026 at the Rio Rancho Events Center on Tuesday May 6, 2025. Jessica Baca/Journal; ...

ECHL launches real-time roster & salary cap system built by PRL Sports Group & RockDaisy—streamlining ops, ensuring compliance & boosting efficiency. This platform transforms how we manage ...

From the league's perspective, ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin said a New Mexico-based club fit neatly into plans for western expansion since the league lost two California-based teams to the ...