Listen to this articleThe basics:
- ECHL approves relocation of Utah Grizzlies to Trenton for 2026-27
- Games will be played at CURE Insurance Arena in downtown Trenton
- Pro Hockey Partners LLC leads the new team ownership group
- Marks first professional hockey in Trenton since 2013
Professional ice hockey is returning to New Jersey’s Capital City.
The Shrewsbury-headquartered ECHL announced Sept. 9 that its board of governors approved the Transfer of Controlling Interest in the Utah Grizzlies‘ Membership from its ownership group (Grizzlies Hockey Club LLC) to Pro Hockey Partners LLC, who will bring the team to Trenton following the 2025-26 season.
The Trenton Hockey Club – which is not yet renamed – will play at CURE Insurance Arena during the 2026-27 season.
The 7,000-seat arena was the home of the ECHL’s Trenton Titans and Devils from 1999-2013. It hosted the Kelly Cup Finals games when the Titans reached the tournament in 2001 and 2005 – capturing their only championship – as well as the 2002 ECHL All-Star Classic. That club operated as the Titans from 1999–2007, then as the Devils from 2007–2011, and again as the Titans from 2011–2013, before ceasing operations.
Taking on Trenton
“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,” 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 community in New Jersey, and we look forward to reinvigorating the live entertainment experience in the marketplace with an ownership and operating group that is experienced in developmental league sports.”
Crelin noted the contributions of the Utah Grizzlies and its ownership group to the ECHL.
“On behalf of the League and myself, I would like to personally thank the Elmore Family, the late Kevin Bruder, Jill Roberts and the entire Grizzlies staff, for their commitment to the ECHL and the Utah fanbase for over 20 years in the league, as we are saddened by the unfortunate set of circumstances that will not allow them to be able to continue to entertain their fans and be part of that community after the 2025-26 season,” said Crelin about the Grizzlies. The team has existed for more than 30 years, 20 of which in the ECHL.
Bringing the energy
Pro Hockey Partners comprises 14 partners, and formed to bring ECHL hockey back to Trenton.
Led by Joe Eng and Bob Ohrablo, the group shares a passion for hockey and sports. That dedication applies not only to launching a successful hockey team on and office the ice, but also to becoming an integral community partner.
“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 Ohrablo, president of Pro Hockey Partners and 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.”
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.
– Bob Ohrablo, president of Pro Hockey Partners and Trenton ECHL Hockey
CURE Insurance Arena General Manager Fran Rodowicz said the venue is excited to welcome pro hockey back to Trenton.
“Twenty years ago, we proudly hosted the 2005 ECHL Kelly Cup championship season with incredible support from our fans and the community,” said Rodowicz. “As hockey returns, we are eager to revive that same energy in the arena and throughout Trenton.”
Upgrades due
Rodowicz noted that the arena is also making some exciting upgrades.
“And we look forward to showcasing our newly refreshed spaces,” said Rodowicz. “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.”
Welcome back to Trenton @ECHL! 🏒
Season Tickets & Name Your Team Contest can be found at:https://t.co/tjRjkjH4jj
Read the full story: https://t.co/BLqQ11wZSe pic.twitter.com/MJ6ohxVtEJ
— CURE Insurance Arena (@CUREarena) September 9, 2025
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson echoed those sentiments, saying he could not be more excited to welcome professional hockey back to the Capital City.
“I want to thank Joe Eng, Bob Ohrablo, the ECHL, Mercer County Improvement Authority and the CURE Arena Team for working with us through months of planning and negotiation to make this dream a reality,” said Benson. “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.”
