ECHL: New Mexico Goatheads Sign Defenseman Aaron Chiarot

At 24 years old, Chiarot joins New Mexico after completing his first season as a professional. The Hamilton, Ontario native played 22 ECHL games with the Rapid City Rush, South Carolina Stingrays, and Cincinnati Cyclones. He wrapped up the season with Cincinnati, where he achieved his first ECHL point by assisting on a goal.

Aaron Chiarot Brings Size to New Mexico

Measuring 6-foot-4 and weighing 210 pounds, Chiarot provided a strong physical presence throughout his rookie season, accumulating 41 penalty minutes in his 22 ECHL games, including 32 penalty minutes in 12 games with South Carolina. He also played in the Southern Professional Hockey League for the Birmingham Bulls, where he participated in eight games and recorded one goal and two assists for three points.

Aaron Chiarot’s College Career and Hockey Roots

Before turning professional, Chiarot played two seasons at the University of Windsor, appearing in 32 games with the Lancers, where he scored one goal, one assist, and accrued 73 penalty minutes. His combination of size and physicality offers the Goatheads another option on defense as they continue to build their inaugural roster. Chiarot comes from a hockey family, being the younger brother of NHL defenseman Ben Chiarot. This signing provides New Mexico with another young defenseman who has professional experience as they prepare for their first season in the ECHL. New Mexico will begin the 2026-2027 regular season on Friday, Oct. 16, against the Idaho Steelheads at the Rio Rancho Events Center.