Colorado Avalanche fans are already familiar with the last name Ahcan, with the former defenseman Jack Ahcan. But few know about his little brother, Grant Ahcan. The youngest of the three Ahcan holds a special place in the Avalanche organization’s history. On July 10, 2026, Grant was named the very first New Mexico Goatheads player. The Goatheads are the brand new ECHL affiliate that will play in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

“Yeah, it was awesome,” Ahcan said of signing with New Mexico. “It’s a good spot to be. I think I’m excited to get down there and kind of see the land and check out the team.”

But Ahcan do not come to the Goatheads with no experience. He played 14 games for the Iowa Heartlanders in Minnesota’s organization. He scored a pair of goals and also had a pair of assists. It helped him with the transition from college to the professional game and got his feet wet.

“I think it was a great little experience for me out of college,” said Ahcan. “To be able to play some games in that league and get used to the kind of the lifestyle outside of school. I had a great time there, and I’m excited to keep it rolling.”

 

Working with the Avs and what Ahcan brings

Ahcan has been training with the Avalanche off and on since the beginning of July. He was invited to their development camp, where he got familiar with his new coach before signing a contract. After that, he spent time at the Avalanche’s rookie camp earlier this month. Ahcan worked on his game and adjusted to the altitude, which is a mile high in Denver.

Ahcan has been training with the Avalanche off and on since the beginning of July. He was invited to their development camp, where he got familiar with his new coach before signing a contract. After that, he spent time at the Avalanche’s rookie camp earlier this month. Ahcan worked on his game and adjusted to the altitude, which is a mile high in Denver.

But the aspect that Ahcan feels he can bring to the game is mostly his energy. We have seen at camp trying to hype up veterans and get the group going. The former St. Cloud State University captain tries to be a “glue guy” even if he does not have a letter on his chest. The energy will pay off in other ways, though.

“I’m energetic, big on the forecheck, good with my stick,” Ahcan said of his play style. “I love to kill penalties, so hopefully I’ll get the chance to do that. And yeah, I don’t know. I’m just excited to get down there and kind of fill my game and see what kind of team we have.”

Grant Ahcan full interview September 23, 2026