The Trenton Ironhawks have reached an NHL affiliation agreement with the New York Islanders ahead of the team’s inaugural season.

The Ironhawks will join Hamilton of the American Hockey League as the Islanders’ primary minor league affiliates.

“We are excited to partner with Trenton as our new ECHL affiliate and bring professional hockey back to New Jersey’s capital city,” Islanders General Manager and Executive Vice President Mathieu Darche said.

Team President Bob Ohrablo said the affiliation will help Islanders prospects develop in “an electric atmosphere” in Trenton.

The Ironhawks will play their first home game Oct. 24 at CURE Insurance Arena against Adirondack. Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said the affiliation will give Islanders fans a chance to watch the team’s next generation of talent develop in Trenton.

Professional hockey previously was played in Trenton by the Trenton Titans from 1999 to 2006, the Trenton Devils from 2007 to 2011, and the Titans again from 2011 to 2013. The teams had affiliation agreements with the Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Islanders and Los Angeles Kings over 14 seasons.