The Trenton Ironhawks launch a fresh New York Islanders affiliation, revitalizing local ice with arena upgrades and a strategic pipeline for NHL prospects beginning this October.
On May 20th, 2026, the new kid on the block, Trenton Ironhawks, announced their affiliation with the NHL team, New York Islanders, along with the unnamed Hamilton AHL affiliate.
Trenton is a relocation team from the Utah Grizzlies, who ended their team at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 regular season. Utah historically carried the affiliation with the Colorado Avalanche. There were rumors that the Ironhawks were going to remain affiliated with Colorado, but amid those rumors, Colorado chose to go with the New Mexico Goatheads to fuel their organization.
The Ironhawks will begin their season on October 24th, 2026, against the Adirondack Thunder at CURE Insurance Arena. General Manager Erik Hudson stated that the arena is awaiting new ice chillers and that scoreboards and runnerboards will be installed for the new season.
This new affiliation for the New York Islanders will end their affiliation with the Worcester Railers after eight years and function as a new pipeline for prospects and talent.
Trenton was home to the Trenton Titans from 1999-2006 and 2011-2013, and for a short time, they were the Trenton Devils from 2007-2011. Trenton was home to four affiliations during their time in the league previously. They were affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers from 1999-2006 and 2011-2013, New Jersey Devils from 2006-2011, New York Islanders from 1999-2002, and 2005-2006, and lastly the Los Angeles Kings in the 1999-2000 season.