The NY Islanders will have a new ECHL affiliate for the 2026-27 season

Following the news that the NY Islanders' AHL affiliate has been named the Hamilton Hammers, there has been more change within the organization and its affiliated franchises.

After eight seasons, the Worcester Railers will no longer serve as the Isles’ ECHL affiliate, as the Trenton Ironhawks have now taken on that role.

The Ironhawks, formerly the Utah Grizzlies, were previously the ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. But with the franchise moving East, it only makes sense to partner with an NHL on the East Coast.

“We are excited to partner with Trenton as our new ECHL affiliate and bring professional hockey back to New Jersey’s capital city,” Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche said. “Trenton has a great organization, led by Bob Ohrablo, and has set a platform for our prospects to develop both on and off the ice.  We’ve had several members of the current and past Islanders teams play games in the ECHL and look forward to continuing that trend in Trenton.” 

The city of Trenton last had a professional hockey franchise in 2013, when the Trenton Titans were an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

“We are proud to welcome the NY Islanders and their new AHL team in Hamilton, ONT, as part of the Ironhawks family,” said Bob Ohrablo, team president.  “Judging by the early support for the Ironhawks, Islanders prospects will develop in an electric atmosphere and a community that loves cheering them on.”

The Ironhawks will play their first home game on Oct. 24, taking on the Utica Comets.

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