TRENTON, N.J. — The Trenton Ironhawks announced five player transactions Tuesday, adding a mix of NHL draft picks and AHL experience to the roster ahead of the team’s inaugural 2026-27 season.

The New York Islanders have reassigned forward Jesse Nurmi and goaltender Henrik Tikkanen from the Hamilton Hammers to Trenton. The Hamilton Hammers have also loaned forward Max Ellis, goaltender Ryan Fanti and defenseman Chas Sharpe to the Ironhawks.

Nurmi, 21, joins the Ironhawks after spending last season with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League and Worcester Railers of the ECHL. The Valkeala, Finland, native was selected by the Islanders in the fourth round, 113th overall, of the 2023 NHL Draft. The Islanders previously assigned Nurmi to Hamilton during training camp before his reassignment to Trenton. (

Tikkanen, 26, gives the Ironhawks additional size and experience in net. The 6-foot-7, 223-pound goaltender was selected by the Islanders in the seventh round, 214th overall, of the 2020 NHL Draft. The Lohja, Finland, native signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Islanders in July and was previously placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment following training camp. 

Ellis, 26, joins Trenton after most recently playing in the Kontinental Hockey League. The Plymouth, Michigan, native is a 5-foot-9, 172-pound right wing who brings professional experience to the Ironhawks forward group.

Fanti, 26, joins the Ironhawks after most recently playing with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League. The Thunder Bay, Ontario, native is a 6-foot-3, 198-pound goaltender who adds another experienced option between the pipes.

Sharpe, 22, joins Trenton after spending last season with the Toronto Marlies. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound defenseman previously earned ECHL All-Rookie Team honors with the Cincinnati Cyclones in 2024-25 and was part of Toronto’s 2026 Calder Cup championship team. 

The five transactions further strengthen the Ironhawks’ inaugural roster. Trenton serves as the ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, with the Hamilton Hammers serving as the Islanders’ AHL affiliate. The Islanders have identified Trenton as an important destination for player development within the organization.

The Ironhawks continue preparations for their inaugural season at CURE Insurance Arena, with Opening Night set for Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6 p.m. against the Adirondack Thunder.

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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.