After months of anticipation and a community-wide naming contest, Trenton’s returning professional hockey team now has an official identity.
Local officials, team executives and fans gathered Tuesday morning at the CURE Insurance Arena to unveil the name Trenton Ironhawks, marking another milestone ahead of the franchise’s debut in the ECHL during the 2026–27 season.
The name was selected from more than 2,000 entries submitted during a two-month public contest. Jim Miller of Lawrenceville and Joel Perez of Bordentown, who independently submitted “Ironhawks,” were named co-winners and will each receive two season ticket memberships for the team’s inaugural season.
Team President Bob Ohrablo said the name was intended to reflect both Trenton’s industrial history and the identity the organization hopes to build on the ice.
“The hawk symbolizes strength and spirit, while the iron industry and its workers remain vital to Trenton’s economy through their grit and determination,” Ohrablo said in a prepared statement. “By combining these elements into Ironhawks, we honor Trenton and reflect the team we are building, representing the city and the surrounding region, including Central New Jersey and Bucks County.”
The Ironhawks will play 36 home games each season at the county-owned arena, which previously hosted the Trenton Titans and Trenton Devils until 2013. The Titans won the ECHL’s Kelly Cup championship in 2005.
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said during the announcement that the team is expected to draw fans from across the region, not just the city of Trenton.
“Much like the Trenton Thunder, Trenton hockey isn’t just for the city of Trenton,” Benson said. “It’s going to be for Mercer County, Bucks County and the whole region. The interest we’re seeing already shows that. It’s been tremendous.”
Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora linked the team’s identity to the city’s history and sense of resilience.
“The craftsman toughness and innovation that built this city still runs through Trenton today,” Gusciora said. “This is your team — let’s make this arena loud, proud and unmistakably Trenton.”
The unveiling also highlighted the team’s early traction with fans. Team officials said more than 700 season memberships have already been secured, with additional ticket plans now available.
Among those attending were Hopewell Township residents Paul and Stacy Werner, longtime hockey fans who typically split their loyalties between the New York Rangers (Paul) and the New Jersey Devils (Stacy). With the Ironhawks’ arrival, they said, they finally have a team to cheer for together.
“Now we have the Ironhawks,” Paul Werner said. “We’re united — we’ll be here next year with our Ironhawks jerseys on.”
Werner said the appeal is simple: high-level hockey close to home.
“It’s the best sport in the world to watch live,” he said. “And it’s exciting to have it right in our backyard.”
Where the Ironhawks Fit in Pro Hockey
The Ironhawks will compete in the ECHL, a professional minor league that serves as a development level for players working toward the National Hockey League. Players may move between the ECHL and the American Hockey League as they progress in their careers.
Currently, the Ironhawks are not formally affiliated with an NHL or AHL franchise. Officials have said an affiliation is expected in the future, but discussions are not anticipated to take place until later this spring.
Arena upgrades are already underway ahead of the team’s arrival, including a new ice system, dasher boards and glass, locker room renovations, and improvements to suites and fan amenities, county officials said.
The Ironhawks’ primary colors are blue, gray and red, with a logo incorporating iron plating and flame-styled accents. Merchandise is already available, with individual game tickets expected to go on sale in the coming months.
As Benson told attendees, the team’s name marks the beginning of a longer process.
“When Trenton is strong, we all benefit,” he said. “And this team is going to help make that happen.”
