Danbury Hat Tricks sign three defensemen

DANBURY, CT -- The Danbury Hat Tricks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League announced the signings of defensemen Jarod Yau, Brendan Dowler and Kody Gibbs.

"These three defenseman all add their own element to our defensive core,” Hat Tricks general manager and coach Billy McCreary said. “Speed, toughness and a willingness to defend will continue to make Danbury a difficult place to play, and these young players will have an opportunity to show that."

Yau played one game for the Hat Tricks last season, being held without a point in his professional debut April 14 against the Carolina Thunderbirds. The 21-year-old, who is 6-foot, 185 pounds, played five seasons for Grandview of the Provincial Junior Hockey League. He scored 35 points (four goals, 31 assists) and had 95 penalty minutes in 43 games with Grandview last season.

Dowler, 25, signs with the Hat Tricks after playing the past four seasons at the University of Southern Maine. The Marbledale, CT native (6-foot-3, 201 pounds) had eight points (seven goals, one assist) in 21 games last season.

Gibbs, 21, will also be a rookie in the FPHL this season. The rugged defenseman (6-foot-4, 205 pounds) had nine points (five goals, four assists) and 83 penalty minutes in 46 games with Winnipeg in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League last season.