The newest expansion franchise in the ECHL has narrowed down the options for its nickname to three that encompass aspects of its home state’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.

The team based in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, will take to the ice at the start of the 2026-27 ECHL season. When they do, they’ll bear one of the three names announced late last week as the finalists in their name-the-team contest, which garnered more than 2,000 entries from across the state.

Here are the finalists and the inspirations behind them:

CUTTHROATS

A nod to the native Rio Grande cutthroat trout, New Mexico’s state fish, known for its aggressive nature and striking colors.

GOATHEADS

Inspired by the goathead thorn – a relentless desert weed that’s nearly impossible to kill – and the wild Ibex goat – a symbol of survival in harsh, mountainous terrain.

TARANTULA HAWKS

The tarantula hawk, New Mexico’s state insect, is one of the Southwest’s most formidable predators. This large wasp is known for having one of the most painful stings in the world.

Fans can cast votes for their favourite finalist name until 5 p.m. MT on Thursday, July 3 at NMProHockey.com.

The Rio Rancho expansion franchise was awarded to REV Entertainment in May 2024. It will be the ECHL’s 31st team and will play in the 7,000-seat Rio Rancho Events Center, 30 miles outside Albuquerque.

The Rio Rancho Events Center was previously home ice for the New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League (2006-2009) and the New Mexico Mustangs of the North American Hockey League (2010-2012).

Which of these three would you vote for? Got any better suggestions? Let us know in the comments!