Zack Stortini Named Head Coach of ECHL’s New Mexico Goatheads

The Colorado Avalanche have officially announced the hiring of Zack Stortini as the head coach of their ECHL affiliate, the New Mexico Goatheads. This exciting news was revealed on Saturday, marking a significant step for both the Avalanche and the fledgling Goatheads franchise.

Mike Battaglia, the Avalanche scout responsible for overseeing ECHL operations, expressed enthusiasm about Stortini’s appointment. “We’re happy to welcome Zack to the Avalanche and Goatheads organizations. Over his first seven years coaching in the AHL and OHL, Zack has established himself as a rising coach, and we feel he’s a great fit for the Goatheads as we embark on their inaugural season,” Battaglia stated.

Stortini, a former NHL tough guy, spent parts of six seasons in the league, predominantly with the Edmonton Oilers. Selected in the third round of the 2003 NHL Draft, he showcased his skills over a professional career that spanned 15 seasons and included 860 games in the NHL and AHL. His NHL debut came on January 20, 2007, against the Calgary Flames, and he would go on to appear in 257 games, accumulating 41 points (14 goals, 27 assists) with the Oilers.

While Stortini was known for his physical style of play rather than scoring, he transitioned to a full-time minor league role in 2011. His AHL career included 603 games with various teams, where he recorded 109 points (55 goals, 54 assists). Stortini was also recognized for his contributions off the ice, earning three nominations for the AHL’s Yanick Dupre Memorial Award for community service.

Despite attempts to return to the NHL, including preseason opportunities with the Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers, Stortini ultimately did not make the roster. After hanging up his skates, he returned to coaching, first serving as an assistant with the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL and most recently as an assistant with the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners. His new role with the Goatheads marks an exciting chapter as he leads the team into its inaugural season.

Congratulations to Zack Stortini on this new venture!

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.