Ironhawks unveiled as new minor league hockey team in Trenton, New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Hockey is returning to New Jersey's capital city, and on Tuesday, officials unveiled the name of the city's new minor league hockey team: the Trenton Ironhawks.

It's a nod to the region's industrial manufacturing history and its new slogan, "forged for victory."

The team is set to begin play this October as preparations continue to bring professional hockey back to the city.

Out of 2,000 fan submissions, officials selected the Ironhawks as the winning name.

Hockey fans Joel Perez of Bordentown and Jim Miller of Lawrenceville both submitted the name and won season tickets.

"Once I saw it, I was like, 'Oh, I think that's me.' Then I look over, and I was like, 'Is that you too?'" Perez said.

Miller said the name reflects the area's industrial roots.

"The area. Roebling, the steel mills, the history of steel in the area," he said.

Mayor Reed Gusciora said the branding honors the community's past.

"This is a city forged in the Industrial Revolution. Long before hockey sticks and slap shots, Trenton was shaping the nation with iron, steel and wire."

The Ironhawks will mark Trenton's first ECHL team since the Titans folded in 2013.

The current Utah Grizzlies franchise will relocate to Trenton after the end of this season.

"At the end of the season, everything transfers here to Trenton, and then we decide which players we're not going to take, and then we start building from there," said Trenton Hockey President Bob Ohrablo.

More than 650 season tickets have already been sold, and fans lined up on Tuesday to purchase the newly released merchandise.

Paul Werner of Pennington said the team's arrival will make attending games easier.

"We'll be here a lot more often. It's a little easier. Right around the corner and enjoy some hockey," said Werner.

Phillip Altobelli of Hamilton was among the early buyers.

"The day they announced we could put season tickets down I put my deposit down. I was so excited," he said.

Mercer County plans to spend about $8 million upgrading Cure Arena ahead of the season.

County Executive Dan Benson said improvements include a new ice machine, new dasher boards, renovated locker rooms, a new scoreboard, updated signage and revamped suites.

A fan fest featuring games, merchandise and arena tours is scheduled at Cure Arena at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Season tickets are on sale now, and the team will play 35 home games each season.