RIO RANCHO, N.M. – The New Mexico Goatheads continue to build from the blue line out as the franchise prepares for its first season of professional hockey in New Mexico.
The Goatheads announced Friday, July 24, that the team has signed defenseman Brandon Chabrier to an ECHL contract for the 202627 season. Chabrier becomes the latest addition to New Mexico’s inaugural roster as the club moves closer to its Oct. 16 opener at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
Chabrier arrives in New Mexico after completing a four-year collegiate career at the University of Maine, where he appeared in 133 games for the Black Bears. The Bayville, New York native totaled seven goals and 42 assists for 49 points during his college career while helping Maine reach consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
“Brandon is a good skater who moves the puck exceptionally well, makes smart decisions under pressure, and has the ability to quickly transition defense into offense,” Head Coach Zack Stortini said in the team’s announcement. “Just as importantly, he’s a selfless player who takes pride in defending. He’s willing to block shots, compete in the hard areas, and do the little things that help teams win.”
Chabrier’s most productive college season came in 2023-24, when he recorded career highs with six goals, 16 assists and 22 points in 37 games. He followed that with 12 assists in 31 games during his senior season before graduating from Maine.
The signing also gives the Goatheads another player with built-in familiarity on the roster. Chabrier spent three seasons at Maine alongside forward Lynden Breen, another recent New Mexico signing. Both players were part of a Black Bears program that made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
Following his collegiate career, Chabrier signed with the Maine Mariners and made his professional debut late in the 2025-26 season. He appeared in four regularseason games and recorded his first professional point with an assist.
Chabrier joins a growing group of early Goatheads signings that includes forwards Grant Ahcan and Lynden Breen, along with defensemen Trevor Zins and Emmett Serensits. New Mexico has also added veteran ECHL presence behind the bench, naming Matt Register as assistant coach earlier this month.
The early roster construction shows a clear pattern for the new franchise. The Goatheads have added former college captains, players with NCAA Tournament experience, defensemen with professional games already behind them and players who have been part of winning programs.
Before the Goatheads ever take the ice, the organization is working to establish the identity of its first roster: responsible, competitive and experienced enough to help set a foundation.
The Goatheads are affiliated with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and the AHL’s Colorado Eagles. New Mexico is scheduled to open the 2026-27 regular season on Friday, Oct. 16, against the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center.
With Chabrier now added to the back end, the Goatheads’ inaugural roster continues to take shape one signing at a time.