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 ...

May 6—There wasn't a ceremonial puck drop Tuesday at Rio Rancho Events Center. Matter of fact, there won't be until October 2026, when pro hockey makes its formal return to New Mexico. There was ...