The Trenton Ironhawks have their first players.
The new ECHL franchise introduced the first five signings in team history Thursday on the steps of the New Jersey State House, with Gov. Mikie Sherrill joining the team as it unveiled a group with ties throughout New Jersey — including two with Princeton connections.
Luke Antonacci of Princeton, John Gelatt of Middletown, Anthony Firriolo of Towaco, Mikey Colella of Turnersville and Mahwah native and former Princeton University defenseman Nick Carabin make up the first group signed by the Ironhawks.
The announcement marks another step toward professional hockey’s return to Trenton. The Ironhawks begin their inaugural season in October and will play their first home game Saturday, Oct. 24, at CURE Insurance Arena against the Adirondack Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils.
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said the New Jersey connections among the first players reflect the organization’s effort to establish itself as a local team.
“I’m thrilled to have the Governor and so many of our community leaders here as we welcome these five Jersey natives to Trenton,” Benson said. “Today’s signing reflects the Ironhawks’ commitment to be a truly local team that embodies our community, and strengthens our Capital City, Mercer County, and our region.”
The Ironhawks were announced earlier this year as Trenton’s new ECHL franchise and will serve as the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Islanders. The team has been building its front office, coaching staff and presence in the region ahead of its first season.
Ironhawks President Bob Ohrablo said incorporating New Jersey players into the inaugural team was a priority.
“When we created the Ironhawks, we knew we wanted to have a strong Jersey flavor to this team, and with the five new members being introduced today, we’re excited to have accomplished that,” Ohrablo said. “We’re now less than two months away from Opening Night, and we couldn’t be more excited to drop the puck.”
Two Princeton connections
For Mercer County hockey fans, the first group includes two particularly familiar connections.
Antonacci, 23, is a Princeton native who played youth hockey with the Mercer Chiefs before going on to play 127 NCAA games between the University of Maine and Lake Superior State University.
The defenseman began his professional career last season, appearing in 15 games for the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies. Antonacci also helped the Sioux City Musketeers win the USHL’s Clark Cup in 2022.
Carabin brings another Princeton connection to CURE Insurance Arena. The 26-year-old Mahwah native played 80 games at Princeton University, recording six goals and 23 assists, before finishing his collegiate career at the University of Connecticut.
He spent last season with the Cincinnati Cyclones and Iowa Heartlanders, recording three goals and 11 assists in 52 ECHL games.
Professional experience joins inaugural group
Firriolo, 28, brings the most extensive ECHL experience of the group. The Towaco native is entering his fourth season in the league and is expected to join his seventh ECHL team.
The defenseman split last season between the Atlanta Gladiators and Iowa Heartlanders, scoring seven goals and adding 24 assists in 57 games. He previously played NCAA hockey at Army West Point.
Gelatt, 25, played a full 72-game season with Utah in 2025-26, scoring 14 goals and recording 24 points. The Middletown native previously played four seasons at Holy Cross and developed in New Jersey with the New Jersey Colonials and North Jersey Avalanche.
Colella, a 25-year-old forward from Turnersville, also played for Utah last season, recording five goals and five assists in 39 games. He played five NCAA seasons between Northern Michigan University and Canisius University after developing through several junior hockey leagues.
Head Coach Chuck Weber said the signings also reflect the development of hockey within New Jersey.
“Youth hockey is thriving in New Jersey and this is an example of its growth,” Weber said. “I know these five young men are excited to compete for a spot on the Ironhawks’ inaugural roster.”
That final phrase is significant: although the organization describes the five as its first player signings, Weber said they will be competing for spots on the inaugural roster.
The Ironhawks’ first home game is scheduled for Oct. 24 at CURE Insurance Arena. Season-ticket deposits are available now, with single-game ticket information expected following Labor Day.
