Trenton Ironhawks Hockey Team signs first five New Jersey-born players
Today, Trenton’s newest professional hockey team, the Ironhawks, officially held the first five signings in franchise history- adding five Jersey-born hockey players to the team’s growing roster.
The announcement & signings were held on the steps of the New Jersey State House, where the team was joined by Governor Mikie Sherrill, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, Mayor Reed Gusciora, and local elected officials.
“First, I would like to thank the Governor for her support of the Trenton Ironhawks,” Ironhawks President Bob Ohrablo said. “When we created the Ironhawks, we knew we wanted to have a strong Jersey flavor to this team, and with the five new members being introduced today, we’re excited to have accomplished that. We’re now less than two months away from Opening Night, and we couldn’t be more excited to drop the puck.”
Each of the five players brings previous professional & NCAA experience to the team’s roster and got their start in the sport playing within New Jersey’s youth hockey leagues.
Luke Antonacci, a 23-year-old native of Princeton, N.J., returns home to continue his hockey career after spending the 2025-26 season competing in both the NCAA and ECHL. He most recently appeared in 15 games with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL. Prior to beginning his professional career, the defenseman played 127 NCAA games between the University of Maine and Lake Superior State University. During three seasons with Maine, Antonacci recorded five goals and 16 assists while posting a combined +28 rating. His junior hockey career was highlighted by a championship run with the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he helped the team capture the 2022 Clark Cup. Youth team: Mercer Chiefs
John Gelatt, a 25-year-old native of Middletown, N.J., joins the Ironhawks following his first full season in the ECHL with the Utah Grizzlies. Gelatt appeared in 72 games with Utah during the 2025-26 season, recording 14 goals and 24 points. Prior to beginning his professional career, the forward played four seasons at the College of the Holy Cross from 2021-25, where he totaled 15 goals and 30 assists in 132 games. Gelatt’s strongest statistical season came during his senior year, when he posted seven goals, 10 assists, and a +10 rating. He played his junior hockey with the Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where Gelatt recorded 54 points in 51 games, averaging more than a point per game. Youth team: New Jersey Colonials, North Jersey Avalanche
Anthony Firriolo, an established ECHL defenseman and native of Towaco, N.J., brings his professional experience back home to New Jersey to continue his playing career with the Ironhawks. The 28-year-old is expected to join his seventh ECHL team. Firriolo, a left-shot defenseman, enters his fourth ECHL season after splitting time between the Atlanta Gladiators and Iowa Heartlanders in 2025-26. He appeared in 57 games, recording seven goals and 24 assists for 31 total points. Firriolo played his NCAA career at Army West Point and developed in the junior ranks with stops in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Youth team: Jersey Hitman
Mikey Colella joins the Ironhawks after gaining valuable professional experience during the 2025-26 season with the Utah Grizzlies. The 29-year-old forward from Turnersville, N.J., appeared in 39 ECHL games, recording five goals and five assists. Colella spent five seasons playing NCAA hockey between Northern Michigan University and Canisius University. During his time at Northern Michigan, he appeared in 132 games, recording 33 goals and 31 assists. He finished his collegiate career at Canisius during the 2024-25 season. Prior to his collegiate career, Colella developed through the junior ranks with stops in the BCHL, USHL, and NCDC. His best season of junior hockey came during the 2019-20 season with the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL, where he recorded 68 points in 58 games. Youth team: Team Comcast, Igloo Jaguars
Nick Carabin, a 26-year-old native of Mahwah. N.J., returns to New Jersey following 52 ECHL games during the 2025-2026 season between the Cincinnati Cyclones and Iowa Heartlanders. He spent five seasons playing NCC Hockey between the University of Connecticut and Princeton University. During his time at Princeton, he appeared in 80 games, recording six goals and 23 assists. He finished his collegiate career at UConn during the 2024-25 season, recording three goals and six assists in 39 games. Prior to his collegiate career, Carabin played one season of junior hockey with the Coquitlam Express of the BCHL. Youth team: North Jersey Avalanche
“Today’s signing reflects the Ironhawks’ commitment to be a truly local team that embodies our community and strengthens our Capital City, Mercer County, and our region,’ said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson.
Mayor Reed Gusciora affirmed, “The Ironhawks, down to their very name, are embracing Trenton’s history and investing in our City’s future. We are excited to welcome them home to Cure Arena next month, and for many seasons to come.”
The Ironhawks will play their first home game at Cure Arena on Saturday, October 24.
