Professional hockey returned to Trenton on Saturday night after a 13-year absence, and the city's newest team celebrated with its first victory in franchise history.

The Trenton Ironhawks defeated the Adirondack Thunder 4-1 in front of more than 7,000 fans at CURE Insurance Arena during the team's inaugural home game.

The city's previous ECHL franchise, the Trenton Titans, ceased operations in 2013 after struggling with financial problems, according to prior reporting.

Mikey Colella, a Turnersville native, scored the first home goal in Ironhawks history at 15:43 of the opening period, giving Trenton a 1-0 lead.

John Gelatt, a Middletown native, doubled the lead with a goal at 8:10 of the second period. Both players were among the franchise's first five New Jersey-born signings, announced in September.

Adirondack's Shane Harper cut the lead to 2-1 early in the third period, but Brennan Kapcheck scored with 2:42 remaining before Kyle Penney added an empty-net goal to secure the victory.

Trenton goaltender Ryan Fanti made 28 saves and was named the game's first star. Liam Coughlin recorded three assists.

Saturday's game marked the return of ECHL hockey to Trenton for the first time since the 2012-13 season, when the Trenton Titans last played in the league.

The Ironhawks are affiliated with the NHL's New York Islanders and the American Hockey League's Hamilton Hammers. The team is scheduled to play 36 regular-season home games at CURE Insurance Arena during its inaugural season.