Goatheads add Novoselov, Kelley and Paquette to roster

The New Mexico Goatheads strengthened their roster this week by adding goaltender Nikita Novoselov, defenseman Connor Kelley, and forward Tyler Paquette. The team announced the move of the first two players on Tuesday, noting that the Colorado Eagles assigned them to the ECHL club. On Thursday, the Goatheads completed a trade with the Greensboro Gargoyles, acquiring Paquette in exchange for future considerations.

Novoselov is a 22-year-old Russian goaltender who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall. He signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche in June 2026. The Russian began the current season with the Eagles, where he played two games. In that span, he posted a 2.45 goals-against average and an .889 save percentage. During the previous season, he played 40 games for Gornyak-UGMK in Russia's VHL, recording a 2.10 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage. He also played 11 playoff games with a .924 save percentage.

Kelley is a 24-year-old defenseman from Maple Grove, Minnesota. He played college hockey at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Providence College. In 156 collegiate games, he accumulated 38 points, which includes seven goals and 31 assists. He helped Minnesota-Duluth reach the Frozen Four in 2021 and served as an alternate captain at Providence during his final year. The Chicago Blackhawks selected him in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, picking him 204th overall. In the 2024-25 season, he played two games for the Eagles and recorded one assist. Last season, he appeared in six games for the Utah Grizzlies and scored one goal.

Paquette is a 25-year-old forward from Pennsylvania. He played five seasons at Penn State University, where he recorded 48 points in 143 career games. Last season, the 6-foot-3 forward played 52 games with the Indy Fuel, scoring 22 points. He played three games for Greensboro this season and recorded one assist.

The additions arrive as the Goatheads seek to improve their defensive record. New Mexico has allowed 3.67 goals per game in six contests this season. The team has allowed 22 goals total, which is the highest number in the ECHL.

The Goatheads, who hold a record of one win, three losses, and two ties, will play their next home series against the Rapid City Rush. The Rush currently have a record of three wins and two losses. The teams will meet on October 30 and 31 at the Rio Rancho Events Center.