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| Courtesy of NJ.com |
During that span, the Titans had a lot of on- and off-ice success, averaging over 5,000 fans per game in a 7,600-seat arena and winning the Kelly Cup in 2005.
To some, they were more than just a team. They were a household name. Since 2007, however, Trenton professional hockey hit a major snag, leading to its demise. The last two runs at professional hockey in Trenton was a little bit of a nightmare for management to say the least.
After the New Jersey Devils took over the Titans from the Philadelphia Flyers, the Devils renamed the team the Trenton Devils, to compliment the organization. The second that name change happened, hockey would never be the same at "Mount Olympus."
The T-Devils' primary focus was player development, not creating memorable fan experiences. Also, there were rumors that their parent club, the New Jersey Devils, was going to move their American Hockey League affiliate to the Sun National Bank Center and move the ECHL franchise to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Even if the rumors were true, the T-Devils' on- and off-ice products were not very welcoming to the locals and traveling hockey fans. The attendance was so horrific that in order to attract a decent crowd to the last Trenton Devils game ever, the organization had to give away prizes. These weren't just key chains and embroider towels; some prizes included New Jersey Devils tickets, $100 gift cards in car repairs to local mechanics, and online shopping sprees.
After the Trenton Devils dissolved, a local ownership group brought ECHL hockey back to the city with the rebirth of the Trenton Titans. Fans rejoiced, at least the ones that actually came to the games. Instead of going into why the rebirth went horribly wrong, long story short, some of the players, staff, and season ticket holders are still waiting for their paychecks and refunds.
Each of these attempts could have had long term success, but it was their actions that led them to their own demise.
It seems that after the misfortunes of the Trenton Devils and Trenton Titans 2.0, professional hockey will never succeed in the New Jersey capital city. That doesn't mean that another, more proper attempt at bringing minor professional hockey to the Sun National Bank Center can happen with good success. Another team, and league, could re-spark interest in the area, and the entire state of New Jersey.
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| Courtesy of Wikipedia |
The American Hockey League is the premier minor hockey league in North America. Currently, the league is undergoing a massive transformation that will benefit the parent interests of each club. Trenton is in the prime location to fulfill these interests.
First, the city is located in the right proximity of most AHL clubs in the Eastern Conference. Here are the closest four that are located within a reasonable 3-hour drive from the Sun National Bank Center:
- Bridgeport Sound Tigers (Bridgeport, CT): 126 miles; 2 hours, 26 minutes
- Hershey Bears (Hershey, PA): 116 miles; 1 hour, 57 minutes
- Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Allentown, PA): 77.2 miles; 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Wilkes-Barre, PA): 124 miles; 1 hour, 58 minutes
Next, Trenton is in close proximity of two major metropolitan areas (New York and Philadelphia) and several transportation hubs. These include Trenton, Philadelphia, and Newark Airports; and Trenton Transportation Center. This accessibility is ideal for roster management, especially for NHL clubs that are competing or operating in the Northeast.
Finally, a return of minor league hockey to the New Jersey state capital is a perfect compliment for the increased prices of tickets to New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and Philadelphia Flyers games. Instead of paying an excessive amount for a regular season ticket, hockey fans can see the future of the sport play at a more affordable price.
Deciding the Right Affiliation Agreement
In order to place an AHL team in Trenton, the team will need a NHL affiliate.
The first team that comes to mind is the Flyers. The Flyers have had positive ties to the area since the glory days of the ECHL's Trenton Titans 1.0 and there are a plethora of Flyers fans in the Trenton region. Right now, the Flyers have their AHL operations in Allentown, Pennsylvania and have phenomenal success with the local hockey fans.
Another option is the Devils. The Devils are currently stationed in Albany, New York and are on a finicky deal with the city. A move to the state capital makes the most sense for the organization; but, the team was a catalyst for the demise of professional hockey in Trenton, and Albany is learning that as well right now.
Other options include the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, but each are content with their current affiliation agreements. The perfect fit, in my opinion, is the New York Rangers. The Rangers currently have their AHL affiliate in Hartford, Connecticut.
The Hartford Wolf Pack have enjoyed on-ice success since their arrival in 1997, winning four division titles and the 2000 Calder Cup. Their off-ice success is decent; but, the primary focus of the city is constructing a new or renovated arena for the hopeful return of the NHL's Hartford Whalers.
The Wolf Pack's attendance is also sluggish, and some blame the decor of the stadium for hindering the fan experience; and yet, UConn Huskies athletics play at the XL Center with the Wolf Pack and draw incredible attendance figures. It seems that the Wolf Pack are not well accepted in Hartford today.
The Rangers can benefit with establishing their primary minor league operations in Trenton, New Jersey for several reasons, including:
- a 90-minute commute from New York City for better organizational roster management;
- catering to its New Jersey-based fans by providing Rangers hockey at more affordable prices; and
- instant rivalry nights when the Flyers, Devils, Islanders, and Penguins' minor league affiliates play in Trenton.
The American Hockey League could work well in Trenton, New Jersey with the right guidance. The past does hinder a return of hockey to the state capital, but in the near future, is worth a shot.
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