TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Minor league hockey is returning to Trenton next year, and fans have a chance to name the team.
The team will start the 2026-2027 season with the ECHL, the equivalent of AA in baseball.
The team, which is moving from Utah, is currently affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche, but that’s likely to change to a more local NHL team.
“NHL and AHL clubs are looking for their affiliates to be more geographically located,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “That’s not guaranteed, and some affiliations may have a couple years on them, but I imagine something more local will manifest itself over time.”
Crelin is a Jersey boy himself, so he’s excited to see live action at the CURE Insurance Arena, the arena he grew up going to.
“To be able to bring that back to New Jersey for the next wave of New Jersey kids to grow up with professional hockey, give them a chance to skate, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
The arena holds 7,500 fans. Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said this will be an important economic driver for the community with 30-plus games a year.
“This is good for not only the area, for the fans, but for generating economic development within the capital city,” he added.
The team still needs a name. Fans can enter their submissions at trentonechlhockey.com.