Former NHL enforcer and two-time Calder Cup champion Zack Stortini takes the reins in Albuquerque, bringing veteran grit and championship leadership to the Avalanche’s newest affiliate.
Yesterday it was announced that the coach for the inaugural season of the Colorado Avalanche ECHL affiliate, the New Mexico Goatheads, would be Zack Stortini.
A former AHL and NHL player/coach, Stortini is not a stranger to both sides of the bench. A native of Elliot Lake, Ontario, Stortini developed his game with the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL, where he became a key contributor and team captain before being selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 2003 NHL Draft.
Stortini played in the NHL during the 2005-06 season with the Oilers, carving out a role as an enforcer and energy player. Standing at 6-foot-4 and known for his physical style, he provided toughness in the lineup while still contributing offensively when given opportunities. He spent the majority of his NHL career with Edmonton before briefly playing for the Nashville Predators, appearing in 257 NHL games and recording 41 points while becoming known for his willingness to defend teammates and change the momentum of games.
Much of Stortini’s professional career was in the AHL. In over 600 games, he played for organizations including the Hamilton Bulldogs, Oklahoma City Barons, Lehigh Valley Phantoms, Binghamton Senators, and Charlotte Checkers. He won Calder Cup championships with Hamilton in 2007 and Charlotte in 2019, finishing his playing career on top after a 14-year professional run.
Stortini celebrates winning the 2019 Calder Cup. Photo: Charlotte CheckersAfter retiring from playing in 2019, Stortini quickly transitioned into coaching, returning to the Sudbury Wolves as an assistant coach before becoming an associate coach with the organization. His experience as a player helped him connect with young athletes, bringing lessons from a long career built on preparation, competitiveness and leadership.
In 2022, Stortini moved to the AHL, joining the Tucson Roadrunners as an assistant coach.
Stortini’s legacy is not defined only by fights or penalty minutes, but by the impact he had as a teammate and leader. From junior hockey captain to NHL enforcer to coach, his career has been centered around competitiveness, resilience and helping others succeed.
As for the Goatheads, this is a new beginning for Stortini and New Mexico. Only time will tell but maybe they will make an impact on the Mountain Division.
