The basics:

• Excitement builds after ECHL approves relocation of Utah Grizzlies hockey team to Trenton
• Nearly 500 season ticket deposits placed within first weeks
• 1,600+ submissions received for “Name Your Team” contest
• Local businesses, fans, partners rally behind new hockey club

NJBIZ is exclusively learning new details about the buzz generated by the return of professional hockey to the City of Trenton.

As reported Sept. 10, the Shrewsbury-headquartered ECHL announced it approved a deal for a newly formed group – Pro Hockey Partners LLC – to assume control of the Utah Grizzlies and relocate the team to New Jersey. The yet-to-be-renamed Trenton Hockey Club will play at CURE Insurance Arena during the 2026-27 season. The arena was home to the ECHL’s Trenton Titans and Devils from 1999 through 2013.

Since that announcement, the feedback and support have been strong for the new Trenton club, according to Pro Hockey Partners.

The team has received nearly 500 season ticket membership deposits online and by phone.

The club has also heard from more than 1,600 people about the “Name Your Team Contest.” It plans to pick some preliminary finalists as soon as next week.

“This past week reaffirms our decision to bring the ECHL to Trenton was an excellent choice,” Bob Ohrablo told NJBIZ. Ohrablo leads Pro Hockey Partners, which has 14 partners, along with Joe Eng. He serves as president for both Pro Hockey Partners and Trenton ECHL Hockey. “Interest continues to be strong, with season ticket memberships pouring in, and the corporate community rallying behind our goal of presenting a competitive team.”

Economic boost

Ohrablo noted how conversations have started with many businesses that are reaching out with interest in partnerships.

“This initiative will also bring hundreds of thousands of dollars to the CURE Insurance Arena and downtown Trenton,” said Ohrablo. “Sports fans and families will not only enjoy great hockey – but also have an unforgettable experience at every game.”

The club says that upcoming announcements will detail the formation of its front office team, as well as some preliminary activities under the Faceoff Trenton promotions leading up to Opening Night.

Needless to say, there is a lot of action happening already. And much more to come, with the excitement and buzz ratcheting up for this huge return of professional hockey to the Capital City.

“We are blown away by the enthusiasm and support of the region that extends beyond Trenton, N.J., and Mercer County into parts of Bucks County, Pa., and beyond for the return of professional ECHL hockey to CURE Insurance Arena,” said Ohrablo. “We can’t wait to drop the puck.”

Catch a game, support a business

In a statement to NJBIZ, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said the Capital City is thrilled to welcome the return of professional hockey.

[T]he new ECHL team will bring real economic activity to our restaurants and small businesses, while also shining a spotlight on our city.
– Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora

“The excitement we’ve seen around season ticket sales shows just how much Trenton has missed this sport,” Gusciora told NJBIZ. “Beyond the great entertainment value, the new ECHL team will bring real economic activity to our restaurants and small businesses, while also shining a spotlight on our city. Just as importantly, the team’s presence will provide new opportunities for our youth to engage with the game and its players.

“Hockey’s return marks another step forward in Trenton’s resurgence, and we look forward to the first puck drop.”

In a statement to NJBIZ, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said he could not be more excited to welcome professional hockey back to Trenton. CURE Insurance Arena is owned by the Mercer County Improvement Authority (MCIA) – and the county played a key role throughout this process.

“I want to thank Joe Eng, Bob Ohrablo, and all the 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,” Benson told NJBIZ. “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.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5:06 p.m. EST Sept. 17, 2025, to include a statement from Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.