Captain Jonny Ruiz Returns to Danbury for Sixth Season

DANBURY — The Danbury Hat Tricks announced today that the team has agreed to terms with captain Jonny Ruiz on a contract for the 2025-26 season.

Ruiz, 31, enters his sixth season with the Hat Tricks, where he holds franchise records in games played (247), points (329), goals (176), assists (153), power-play goals (51) and short-handed goals (17). In addition to his on-ice success, Ruiz also served as co-head coach last season, earning 33 wins alongside now-retired defenseman Kyle Gonzalez.

A Williamstown, New Jersey, native, Ruiz has been a cornerstone of the Hat Tricks since their inaugural 2019-20 campaign, averaging 1.3 points per game. He owns the two highest single-season point totals in team history—85 in 2021-22 and 74 in 2023-24—and the top three goal-scoring seasons: 49 (2021-22), 38 (2023-24), and 35 (2022-23).

He remains the only player in team history to record double-digit power-play goal outputs in a season, achieving the feat three times (13 in 2021-22, 12 in 2023-24, and 11 in 2024-25). Ruiz captained the Hat Tricks to a Commissioner’s Cup championship in 2022-23, tallying 60 points in 46 games (35g, 25a) and adding nine points (4g, 5a) in 10 playoff games.

A four-time Team MVP, Ruiz shared the honor last season with goaltender Conor McCollum and is a three-time Offensive Player of the Year, including being named the Federal Professional Hockey League’s Offensive Player of the Year for the 2021-22 season (59 GP, 49-36-85, 13 PPG, 3 SHG, 6 GWG). He became the first player in franchise history to surpass 300 career points with the Hat Tricks on Feb. 22, 2025, against the Port Huron Prowlers, registering a three-point night (1g, 2a) to hit the milestone in his 230th game. Earlier in the season, Ruiz reached 300 career FPHL points with an assist on Dec. 13, 2024, in a 3-2 win over the Motor City Rockers.

“I'm happy to be back for another season in Danbury,” Ruiz said. “This city has been my family since day one, and this community means everything to me. I’ve grown as a player and a leader here, and every season, the fans, my teammates, and this organization have continued to push me. There’s nothing like playing in front of the best fans in the league and representing a community that lives and breathes hockey. Wearing the ‘C’ is an honor I don’t take lightly, and I’m ready to lead this team with everything I’ve got to bring another championship back to Danbury.”

General Manager A.J. Galante: “We’re proud to lock in someone who embodies everything this organization stands for. Jonny’s consistency, leadership and offensive production make him irreplaceable, both on and off the ice. He’s the standard for what it means to be a Hat Trick.”

Head coach Nick Niedert: “We’re pumped to have Jonny back for another season. He’s a great leader, and having a player of his caliber and experience in the lineup makes us a better team.”

Team president Herm Sorcher: “Jonny Ruiz is a Danbury icon and part of the Federal League Mount Rushmore. No hockey player has accomplished more in this city, and as we enter into our sixth season, it’s a huge move to bring our captain back. Looking forward to watching him light the lamp.”

The 2025–26 season is right around the corner and season tickets will be on sale soon! To learn more about our ticket packages, email herm@danburyhattricks.com. To stay up to date on all things Danbury Hat Tricks hockey, go to www.danburyhattricks.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube (@DanburyHatTricks), sign up for the Hat Tricks' newsletter here, and find game materials—game notes, line charts, and media guides updated every game here.

ABOUT DANBURY HAT TRICKS:

The Danbury Hat Tricks are a professional hockey team based in Danbury, CT and compete in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). Since their founding in 2019, the 2023 Commissioner's Cup Champions have brought thrilling, fast-paced, and hard-hitting hockey to the Danbury Ice Arena, earning a reputation for their competitive spirit, electric atmosphere and strong community ties. The team is dedicated to providing an unforgettable game-day experience for fans of all ages while proudly representing the city of Danbury.

Off the ice, the Hat Tricks are committed to fostering connections within the local community through outreach programs with schools, businesses and charities. By developing top-tier hockey talent and growing the sport in the region, the Hat Tricks aim to bring the community together and deliver entertainment that leaves a lasting impact.