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Mercer County Announces Return of Professional Hockey to CURE Arena in Trenton

Trenton, NJ – Today, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson joined Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora and leaders from the CURE Insurance Arena, Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA), ECHL (formerly East Coast Hockey League), and Pro Hockey Partners to announce the return of professional hockey to Mercer County. The yet-to-be-named Trenton Hockey Team will make their debut at CURE Insurance Arena for the 2026-2027 season.

"I could not be more excited to welcome professional hockey back to Trenton," said County Executive Benson. "I want to thank Joe Eng, Bob Ohrablo, all the team's co-owners, the ECHL, the MCIA, and the CURE Arena Team for working with us through months of planning and negotiation to make this dream a reality. This is another major step in our mission to make Mercer County, and especially our Capital City of Trenton, a true destination for sports, business, entertainment, and tourism. I can't wait for our new hockey team to drop the puck for its first season."

Ryan Crelin, ECHL Commissioner, announced that the League's Board of Governors has approved the transfer of the controlling interest in the Utah Grizzlies to Pro Hockey Partners, LLC, who will relocate the team to Trenton at the conclusion of the coming 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," said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. "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, and we look forward to reinvigorating the live entertainment experience in the marketplace with an ownership and operating group that are experienced in developmental league sports.

Pro Hockey Partners LLC was formed to bring professional hockey back to Trenton and is committed to building a successful team and to being a good community partner with a positive impact on the lives of local residents in Central Jersey and Bucks County. The group is led by Joe Eng, an Executive at Billtrust, and by Bob Ohrablo, who recently led the formation of successful ECHL Hockey teams in Jacksonville FL and Savannah GA. The name for the new team will be selected from suggestions submitted by the community.

"We are thrilled to reintroduce the ECHL to Trenton and Mercer County, a region known for its strong hockey culture and passion for the sport," said Bob Ohrablo, President of Pro Hockey Partners LLC & Trenton ECHL Hockey. "The ECHL/Trenton Hockey Club will attract hundreds of thousands of fans to the CURE Insurance Arena and Downtown Trenton each season.  This presents an opportunity for families to enjoy exciting pro hockey nights at affordable prices, along with a variety of family-friendly promotions throughout the season."

The CURE Insurance Arena is owned by the Mercer County Improvement Authority and operated by Oak View Group. The Arena already welcomes over 500,000 patrons each year, providing major benefits to the local economy and offering a wide variety of shows and events to area residents. The arena was home to the ECHL's Trenton Titans until 2013.

"The CURE Insurance Arena is excited to welcome hockey back to Trenton!" said Fran Rodowicz, General Manager, CURE Insurance Arena. "Twenty years ago, we proudly hosted the 2005 ECHL Kelly Cup Championship season with incredible support from our fans and the community. As hockey returns, we are eager to revive that same energy in the arena and in Trenton. We are making some exciting upgrades to the venue in preparation for the team's arrival, and we look forward to showcasing our newly refreshed spaces. Hockey will once again play a prominent role among the many diverse and dynamic events we host each year, and we can't wait to drop the puck!"

Fans and community members can learn more about the team at trentonechlhockey.com, where they can secure a season membership for the team's inaugural season and propose names for the team.

"The return of Minor League Hockey to Trenton will not only bring excitement and entertainment, but also create new economic opportunities and expand recreation for our youth," said Anthony Verrelli, Executive Director of the Mercer County Improvement Authority. "The Improvement Authority is proud to partner in preparing the CURE Insurance Arena for this important undertaking to help bring professional hockey back to Trenton."

"Minor League Hockey's return to Trenton will provide a much needed boost to the city's economic development prospects," said Kristin McLaughlin, Chair of the Mercer County Board of Commissioners. "Mercer County has always been a sports county and looking at the amazing turnout we have at Trenton Thunder, we know many fans will be excited to come watch hockey here as well."

"The return of Minor League Hockey to Trenton is about more than sports – it's about opportunity," said Terrance Stokes, Vice-Chair of the Board of Commissioners. "We look forward to this organization energizing our community, creating additional entertainment and recreational outlets, and inspiring our next generation of hockey players and fans."

"We're excited to welcome professional hockey back to Trenton and the CURE Insurance Arena," said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. "This is more than the return of a beloved sport; it's the revival of our proud hockey tradition. The energy and excitement of the game will unite our community, boost local businesses, and once again make Trenton a destination for fans across New Jersey."