The history of hockey in Trenton is rich and varied, encompassing both amateur and professional teams. From the early days of community hockey to high school championships and professional leagues, Trenton has a storied hockey tradition.
Early Years of Trenton Hockey
In 1969, Jim Cook and Bob Stewart approached the Trenton Recreation Department, requesting ice time to form a hockey team composed of T.H.A. coaches. This marked the beginning of organized hockey in Trenton, with the team competing against teams from Wyandotte and Ecorse.
By 1975, three teams were formed in Trenton, creating local competition exclusively at the Kennedy Arena. A/B/C lines were established, and referees were paid with contributions collected from players in the locker room.
The Trenton Over 30 Hockey League has a rich history as well. In 1990, the Trenton Recreation Dept. asked the Trenton Over 30 Hockey League if they would consider paying for a new scoreboard to which they agreed. Total cost was $1326 of which $726 was paid in 1990 and the remaining $600 was paid in 1991. It was mounted on the east wall of the Teifer rink. Also in 1990, the league banquet moved from Captain’s Pub to Mr. Nick’s.
Throughout the years, the league adapted to changing times and needs. In 1992, the Player Placement and Conduct Committee was established, and changing on the fly was introduced. The ice fee saw several increases over the years, reaching $200 per session in 2004.
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Trenton High School Hockey
Trenton high school hockey started in the 1966-67 school year, becoming members of the Michigan Metro High School Hockey League. Dick Homlevec was the first coach, serving for three years until 1969.
Mike Turner, who started coaching in the 1973-74 season, built the most successful public school hockey team in Michigan history, helping Trenton win 11 of its 14 state championships over his 28-year career. Along the way, Turner became the winningest coach in state history and never had a losing season while at the helm.
Fresh off of a college hockey career at Ohio State, Turner came into the program and gave it its first state title ever just two seasons later. After getting laid off in 1981, it wasn't until the 1994-95 season when Turner returned for good, winning another state title just two years after his return.
In 1976, Trenton won its first State Championship, defeating Lakeview in the finals. In 1996, Trenton achieved an undefeated season with a 28-0 record, earning a #1 national ranking.
To date, in the 37 years of M.H.S.A.A. State sponsorship, Trenton has 13 Titles and 6 runner ups. They have been in the Final game 19 times in 37 years. Coach Turner has coached 10 State titles and 4 runner ups.
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Turner retired after winning his final state title this winter after Trenton got the program's 14 title with an 8-3 win in the Division 2 championship. Finishing his career with a 629-122-51 record, Turner surpassed the all-time career wins mark of 623, set by East Kentwood's Ron Baum.
Trenton coach Michael Turner walks under a Trenton flag after defeating Hartland 8-3 in the Division 2 final game during the MHSAA hockey championships.
Professional Hockey in Trenton
Trenton has also been home to several professional minor league ice hockey teams. The Trenton Titans were established in 1999 and played in the ECHL. The team won the Kelly Cup in the 2004-2005 season, defeating the Florida Everblades.
In 2007, the New Jersey Devils announced that the Titans were changing their name to the Trenton Devils. This re-branding alienated fans in the Trenton area, many of whom were part of the Philadelphia Flyers' (and to a lesser extent, the fellow NHL rivals of the Devils in the New York Rangers) fan base.
On July 6, 2011, the New Jersey Devils announced that the Trenton Devils would be suspending operations immediately. The ECHL worked to find a new ownership group for the franchise, and the Trenton Titans were revived, but the team ultimately ceased operations in April 2013.
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The city is set to welcome a new ECHL team for the 2026-2027 season, with the Utah Grizzlies relocating to Trenton. The team has yet to be named, and a public contest is underway to determine the new team name.
Possible team names include:
- Trenton Thunder
- Trenton Lightning
- Seagulls/Boardwalk Bullies
- Trenton Capitals
- Trenton Patriots
- Trenton Titans
The return of professional hockey to Trenton is seen as a major step in making Mercer County a destination for sports, business, entertainment, and tourism.
Key Moments in Trenton Hockey History:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1969 | Jim Cook and Bob Stewart form a hockey team composed of T.H.A. coaches. |
| 1975 | Three teams were formed in Trenton, creating local competition exclusively at the Kennedy Arena. |
| 1976 | Trenton High School wins its first State Championship. |
| 1999 | Trenton Titans established in the ECHL. |
| 2005 | Trenton Titans win the Kelly Cup. |
| 2007 | Trenton Titans rebrand as the Trenton Devils. |
| 2011 | Trenton Devils suspend operations. |
| 2013 | Trenton Titans cease operations. |
| 2026-2027 | ECHL's Utah Grizzlies would possibly be relocated to Trenton, New Jersey. |