Professional Hockey Returns To Mercer’s CURE Arena After 13 Years

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - Professional hockey will return to Mercer County in fall 2026 with the relocation of an ECHL franchise to CURE Insurance Arena, Mercer County officials announced Tuesday.

The yet-to-be-named team, operated by Pro Hockey Partners LLC, will begin play in the 2026-2027 season after the Utah Grizzlies relocate to Trenton.

The move marks the first professional hockey in the city since the Trenton Titans departed in 2013.

“I could not be more excited to welcome professional hockey back to Trenton,” County Executive Dan Benson said.

“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.”

Pro Hockey Partners LLC, led by Billtrust executive Joe Eng and hockey entrepreneur Bob Ohrablo, purchased controlling interest in the Utah franchise with plans to establish roots in central New Jersey.

Ohrablo previously launched successful ECHL teams in Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia.

“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,” Ohrablo said.

The ownership group plans to select the team name from community suggestions, with fans able to submit ideas and secure season memberships at trentonechlhockey.com.

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.”

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.

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