In case you hadn’t heard, the Utah Grizzlies are moving to Trenton, New Jersey, next season. Their new ownership group held a name-the-team contest, receiving more than 2,000 entries, and they revealed the winner Tuesday morning.
They will be known as the Trenton Ironhawks.
“Today marks an important milestone as we officially announce our franchise name, the Trenton Ironhawks, and prepare to bring a new era of professional ECHL hockey to Trenton,” said team President Bob Ohrablo. “The hawk symbolizes strength and spirit, while the iron industry and its workers remain vital to Trenton’s economy through their grit and determination. By combining these elements into Ironhawks, we honor Trenton and reflect the team we are building, representing the city and the surrounding region, including Central New Jersey and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.”
They’ll use a color scheme of blue, gray and red. While the logo has already been revealed, the jerseys have not.
The Ironhawks will be the second ECHL team to call Trenton home. The Trenton Titans played there from 1999 to 2013. The Ironhawks will use the Titans’ old building, CURE Insurance Arena.
Why are the Utah Grizzlies moving?
The Grizzlies announced in June that they were up for sale, following the deaths of two influential members of the Grizzlies organization: former owner Dave Elmore in 2023 and president/CEO Kevin Bruder in May. The declining health of Elmore’s wife and team co-owner Donna Tuttle was also a factor in the sale, according to the team.
“This is an emotional and difficult moment for our family and our organization,” said Elmore Sports Group in a June 22 press release. “Utah has been more than a home — it has been part of our identity. But ensuring the Grizzlies have the opportunity to thrive in the future may require new ownership and, potentially, a new home.”
The team will move to Trenton to begin the 2026-27 season.