Mercer Co. Gets Pro Hockey Back: Trenton Ironhawks Sign NY Islanders Affiliation Deal

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - Trenton's newest professional ice hockey team, the Trenton Ironhawks, has reached an ECHL affiliation agreement with the New York Islanders, the organizations announced. Trenton joins Hamilton, Ontario — the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate — as a primary minor league partner in the Islanders organization.

The Ironhawks will play their inaugural home opener at CURE Insurance Arena on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. against Adirondack.

"We are excited to partner with Trenton as our new ECHL affiliate and bring professional hockey back to New Jersey's capital city," said Islanders General Manager and Executive Vice President Mathieu Darche. "Trenton has a great organization and has set a platform for our prospects to develop both on and off the ice."

Ironhawks President Bob Ohrablo said Islanders prospects will develop in front of an engaged fanbase. Mercer County Executive Dan Benson called the affiliation a win for the region, noting that Islanders fans can make a short trip down the Turnpike to watch the next generation of talent at CURE Arena.

CURE Insurance Arena is managed by Oak View Group, which also manages UBS Arena and TD Coliseum for the Islanders organization.

Trenton has a long professional hockey history, previously hosting the Trenton Titans from 1999 to 2006 and 2011 to 2013, and the Trenton Devils from 2007 to 2011, with past affiliation agreements with the Flyers, Devils, Islanders, and Kings over 14 seasons.

Inaugural season memberships, corporate partnerships, and team apparel are on sale at TrentonIronhawks.com.

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