Mercer County Executive Dan Benson made a promise last September after a press conference announced the return of ECHL hockey to the capital city.
Small scrums of conversations had broken out on the floor of CURE Insurance Arena, home for the new hockey club, and Benson overheard a hockey klatch topic.
“Yes, Trenton will be part of the name,” assured Benson, a Democrat who understands the critical role the capital city plays in Mercer County enterprise, business, recreation, and entertainment.
Appreciation exists here for a Benson-inspired Mercer County project that delivers revitalization for South Broad Street and other drawing board plans for the City of Trenton. While many other government people talk, Benson emphasizes action with the capital city holding an integral position in building a better Mercer County area.
The new Trenton professional ice hockey team will reveal its name, logo and primary colors during a press conference on Tuesday, January 13, at 11 a.m. as the ECHL’s newest franchise will begin play in the 2026-27 season in October. The Trenton (whatever), former Utah Grizzlies, will play approximately 36 home games.
No pushback exists here if this hockey team opted for a Mercer name plate. Honestly, at this point in time, difficulty exists when asked to identify positive aspects of Trenton that warrant recognition.
Remember, The College of New Jersey moved on from Trenton State College and the YMCA exchanged Trenton for Capital Area. Plus, a recent decision by Gov.-Elect Mikie Sherrill to hold the state inauguration in Newark and not Trenton. Since 1790, all New Jersey governors have taken the oath of office in Trenton. The last not to do so was Gov. William Livingston. Since 1932, every inauguration for a first-term governor has taken place at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, which seats about 1,000 fewer attendees than NJPAC.
If seating serves as a reason for Newark as host, Cure Insurance Arena accommodates 10,000 for concerts and 8,000 for basketball and ice hockey.
Benson, team President Bob Ohrablo, and CURE Insurance Arena and Oak View Group leadership headline this event that welcomes more than 650 Trenton hockey fans who have purchased season tickets. Guests can purchase merchandise featuring shirts, hats, and sweatshirts featuring the new team name and logo.
If Trenton receives the nod — great. All actions after that demand improving all aspects of this potentially great capital city.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.