TRENTON, NJ  — Trenton’s newest professional hockey team, The Trenton Ironhawks, of the ECHL, joined New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on the steps at the New Jersey State House to announce the signings of five Jersey-born hockey players who are the team’s first five signings in franchise history.

Luke Antonacci, of Princeton, NJ; John Gelatt, of Middletown, NJ; Anthony Firriolo, of Towaco, NJ; Mikey Colella, of Turnersville, NJ; and Nick Carabin, a former student-athlete at Princeton, make up the first group of players officially announced by the organization ahead of its inaugural season.

The Ironhawks add a mix of professional experience, NCAA success, and New Jersey roots. Below is a look at each of the five players signed by the organization.

“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.”

The five players bring professional and NCAA experience to the Ironhawks, while also representing hockey communities across New Jersey.

“We are excited to welcome our New Jersey-trained players to the Ironhawks,” Head Coach Chuck Weber said. “Youth hockey is thriving in New Jersey and this is an example of its growth. I know these five young men are excited to compete for a spot on the Ironhawks’ inaugural roster.”

Below is a look at each of the five players signed by the organization. 
 

Luke Antonacci

Antonacci, a 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.

Antonacci, 23, 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

Gelatt, a native of Middletown, N.J., joins the Ironhawks following his first full season in the ECHL with the Utah Grizzlies.

Gelatt, 25, 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

Established ECHL defenseman Anthony Firriolo, a 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

Colella joins the Ironhawks after gaining valuable professional experience during the 2025-26 season with the Utah Grizzlies. The forward from Turnersville, N.J., appeared in 39 ECHL games, recording five goals and five assists.

Colella, 25, 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 familiar name returns to New Jersey as former Princeton University defenseman Carabin signs with the Ironhawks.

Carabin, 26, appeared in 52 ECHL games during the 2025-26 season between the Cincinnati Cyclones and Iowa Heartlanders, recording three goals and 11 assists.

The Mahwah, N.J., native spent five seasons playing NCAA hockey between Princeton University and the University of Connecticut. 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. He also played his youth hockey with the North Jersey Avalanche.

Youth team: North Jersey Avalanche

"I'm thrilled to have the Governor and so many of our community leaders here as we welcome these five Jersey natives to Trenton,” Mercer County Executive Dan Bensen said. “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."

The Ironhawks’ “Forged In Jersey” identity represents the hard work, determination and resilience that define the people of New Jersey.

The Ironhawks will take the ice for their home debut at the CURE Insurance Arena on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6p.m. when they host the New Jersey Devils’ affiliate, the Adirondack Thunder. Season ticket deposits are available now, while single-game ticket information is expected to be announced following Labor Day.

Stay connected all season long by following @trentonironhawks on Facebook, Instagram, X, and online at trentonironhawks.com.

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The Trenton Ironhawks are proud members of the ECHL and are preparing for their inaugural season, beginning this October. The Ironhawks serve as the ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League (AHL). The ECHL has helped develop hundreds of players, coaches, and officials who have advanced to the NHL. All Ironhawks games can be streamed on FloHockey. For more information, visit trentonironhawks.com.