ECHL in New Mexico in 2026-27?

[Martin Veillette]

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[godot]

Just north of ABQ, by the way.

 

[PCSPounder]

Just north of ABQ, by the way.

“Just” carries more weight than it should.

Anyway, I tend to think ABQ is one of those white whales people will chase but won’t come to anything. Considering the Scorpions played 9 season in Tingley (which I know from experience is hardly a shining barn on a hill) but croaked after 3 in Rio Rancho, I think there are issues to solve. I don’t think the growth in Rio Rancho is sufficient to solve those issues.

 

[Barclay Donaldson]

View attachment 960841

Unless you have a short memory, be cautious when following anything linking the ECHL with New Mexico. There is even a HFB thread about it...https://forums.hfboards.com/threads/echl-to-albuquerque.2890328/

https://www.rrobserver.com/news/hockey-expected-to-return-to-rio-rancho/article_805df111-917f-5243-b820-4127b4bb2923.html

https://www.rrobserver.com/news/game-on-again-echl-hope-may-be-alive-after-all/article_123b84ac-c082-5c00-be85-b712b7840b6c.html

https://www.koat.com/article/pro-hockey-could-be-coming-back-to-new-mexico/42992778

 

[RedLightDistrict]

This job posting via Teamwork Online would appear to lend some credibility to the initial rumor. Although the location of the expansion franchise isn’t indicated - it seems that this is something that has already gotten a tacit rubber stamp by the ECHL.

 

[JMCx4]

This job posting via Teamwork Online would appear to lend some credibility to the initial rumor. Although the location of the expansion franchise isn’t indicated - it seems that this is something that has already gotten a tacit rubber stamp by the ECHL.

Under the "tacit" category, it could be a "Well, they didn't say 'no' ..." situation for the wannabe expansion franchise owners & they need to hire a GM to convince the League that it's a serious attempt to join.

 

[Atlantian]

The reason New Mexico has been so on-again off-again with the ECHL is there were two groups competing to put a team in Rio Rancho. The groups have since merged and it seems like this push has legitimate backing and support from both the city and the league.

 

[VaCaps Fan]

New Mexico is an interesting market…

 

[JMCx4]

New Mexico is an interesting market…

Tell that to the Six Guns, and the Chaparrals, and the Scorpions (1 & 2).

 

[Atlantian]

Tell that to the Six Guns, and the Chaparrals, and the Scorpions (1 & 2).

He never said good. All three of those are incredible brands for the region for the times.

 

[Bear of Bad News]

The reason New Mexico has been so on-again off-again with the ECHL is there were two groups competing to put a team in Rio Rancho. The groups have since merged and it seems like this push has legitimate backing and support from both the city and the league.

Provide a source, please.

 

[Hurricane Ron]

If Albuquerque got a team in the ECHL, they'd have a day's travel time to Utah, Allen, Tulsa and Wichita. And Albuquerque would make a good spot for Allen, Tulsa and Wichita to stop on a road trip to Lake Tahoe.

However, as JMCx4 stated so well, the long term viability of any team placed in New Mexico is questionable.

 

[VaCaps Fan]

He never said good. All three of those are incredible brands for the region for the times.

Farm team to the scouts a year early is rough.

 

[JMCx4]

... However, as JMCx4 stated so well, the long term viability of any team placed in New Mexico is questionable.

In retrospect, that statement might have been made about several past ECHL expansion regions that have survived in some manner. But I'm "barn 'n' razed" in The Show-Me State.

 

[Captain Crash]

If Albuquerque got a team in the ECHL, they'd have a day's travel time to Utah, Allen, Tulsa and Wichita. And Albuquerque would make a good spot for Allen, Tulsa and Wichita to stop on a road trip to Lake Tahoe.

However, as JMCx4 stated so well, the long term viability of any team placed in New Mexico is questionable.

And most importantly the ECHL footprint grows ever closer to the crown jewel of minor league hockey: Prescott, AZ

 

[VaCaps Fan]

Richmond need to get their act together….

 

[JMCx4]

Richmond need to get their act together….

YEAH, you deserve it! Please remit $3B to the Richmond Economic Development Authority to resurrect the Navy Hill project. Inflation is a beeyotch.

 

[godot]

In retrospect, that statement might have been made about several past ECHL expansion regions that have survived in some manner. But I'm "barn 'n' razed" in The Show-Me State.

Do you pronounce it "Miz-or-ee" or "Miz-ur-uh?"

 

[VaCaps Fan]

He’s been around since the cardinals were a football team…

 

[JMCx4]

Do you pronounce it "Miz-or-ee" or "Miz-ur-uh?"

I don't own 100 acres of farmland, I don't live on the Ozark Plateau, and I don't have a meth lab in my spare bedroom. So I stick with "Mih-ZOOR-ee".

 

[VaCaps Fan]

Could your area support ECHL?