The Utah Grizzlies have announced that the 2025-26 season will be their last year in Utah as they are relocating to Trenton, NJ, for the 2026-27 season. The team will also be under the control of Pro Hockey Partners when they move to Trenton. Further details about the upcoming season for the Utah Grizzlies will be announced in the coming weeks.
“This was a difficult decision, but it is one that we feel is in the best long-term interest of the
franchise,” said D.G. Elmore. “Our focus right now is entirely on the fans and the community
that have supported us for three decades. We are dedicated to delivering the best possible
experience for our final season and celebrating the incredible memories we’ve made together.”D.G. Elmore on the team moving out of Utah (Via Utah Grizzlies Press Release)
This doesn’t come as a surprise. In June, Utah announced the formal process to explore a possible sale and relocation. Along with the announcement, the team is expected to announce a contest for the team name.
Hockey Returns To Trenton
This isn’t the first time the ECHL has had a presence in Trenton, having had a team there for 13 seasons, which underwent multiple name changes as the Trenton Titans, Trenton Devils, and Trenton Titans. The Titans did win a Kelly Cup in 2005. The new team in Trenton will play at the CURE Insurance Arena. CURE Arena will be able to hold just over 8,000 fans. It is located about a mile away from the Trenton Thunder, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees.
Division Realignment Likely
Trenton will likely join the North Division, which would make the most geographical sense. With the addition of Trenton, Wheeling will likely head back to the central division after spending just two seasons back in the North Division. This would still keep the North at eight teams, which will likely be the same for the other three divisions as they plan to have 32 teams in the league for the 2026-27 season.
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