Professional hockey is returning to New Jersey’s capital city.
Local officials and league leaders gathered Tuesday morning at the CURE Insurance Arena to announce that an ECHL franchise will relocate to Trenton for the 2026–27 season. The yet-to-be-named team will be owned and operated by Pro Hockey Partners, led by Joe Eng and Bob Ohrablo, and will play 36 home games at the county-owned arena.
“It’s a great day for hockey in Trenton,” Ohrablo told the crowd. “Twenty years ago, the Trenton Titans won the ECHL Championship while playing right in this arena. Today, we’re proud to announce that we’re bringing a new generation of ECHL pro hockey back to the well-deserved community”.
County Executive Dan Benson said the return of the league fits into broader efforts to make Mercer County “a true destination for sports, business, entertainment, and tourism.” He thanked the ECHL, the Mercer County Improvement Authority and the arena staff for “working with us through months of planning and negotiation to make this dream a reality.”
ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin, a New Jersey native, noted the franchise will move from Utah following the 2025–26 season. “The return of ECHL hockey to Trenton is extremely exciting as we welcome the market back to our North Division for the 2026-27 season amidst new teams and rivalries in the region,” he said. “The original ECHL team served as a catalyst to the opening of CURE Insurance Arena back in 1999 and growing the hockey community in New Jersey.”.
The arena, which opened in 1999, previously hosted the ECHL’s Trenton Titans and Devils until 2013. The Titans won the Kelly Cup in 2005 and reached the finals in 2001.
Fran Rodowicz, general manager of the CURE Insurance Arena, recalled that championship season. “Twenty years ago, we proudly hosted the 2005 ECHL Kelly Cup Championship season with incredible support from our fans and the community,” he said. “As hockey returns, we are eager to revive that same energy in the arena and throughout Trenton.”
Arena upgrades are already underway, including a new ice system, dasher boards and glass, and renovated suites, according to Mercer County Improvement Authority executive director Anthony Verrelli.
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora called the move “more than just team relocation. It’s a homecoming for a sport that so many in our region cherish.”
Fans can propose names for the team and purchase inaugural season memberships at trentonechlhockey.com.
