The New York Islanders announced on May 20 that they have entered into an ECHL affiliation agreement with the Trenton Ironhawks. The new partnership adds Trenton to the Islanders’ minor league system, joining Hamilton of the American Hockey League as a primary affiliate.
The move is significant for both organizations and for hockey fans in New Jersey’s capital city, where professional hockey will return after several years. Islanders General Manager and Executive Vice President Mathieu Darche said, “We are excited to partner with Trenton as our new ECHL affiliate and bring professional hockey back to New Jersey’s capital city. Trenton has a great organization, led by Bob Ohrablo, and has set a platform for our prospects to develop both on and off the ice. We’ve had several members of the current and past Islanders teams play games in the ECHL and look forward to continuing that trend in Trenton.”
Trenton Ironhawks team president Bob Ohrablo welcomed the new relationship, saying, “We are proud to welcome the NY Islanders and their new AHL team in Hamilton, ONT, as part of the Ironhawks family. Judging by the early support for the Ironhawks, Islanders prospects will develop in an electric atmosphere and a community that loves cheering them on.”
The announcement also noted that inaugural season memberships, corporate partnerships, and team apparel are available through TrentonIronhawks.com.
Trenton has previously hosted professional teams including iterations of both the Titans (1999-2006; 2011-2013) and Devils (2007-2011), with prior affiliations involving several National Hockey League clubs such as Philadelphia Flyers (1999-2007; 2011-2013), New Jersey Devils (2006-2011), Los Angeles Kings (1999-2000), as well as earlier stints with the Islanders themselves (1999-2002; 2005-06). Home games will be played at CURE Insurance Arena.
Several current Islanders prospects played last season in the ECHL. This group includes forwards Cam Berg, Jesse Nurmi, Gleb Veremyev; defensemen Calle Odelius and Jesse Pulkkinen; along with goalies Tristan Lennox and Henrik Tikkanen.
