GAME PREVIEW: WATERTOWN WOLVES HOST DANBURY HAT TRICKS | APRIL 3rd
LAST TIME OUT
The Danbury Hat Tricks (19-24-5-4) enter this weekend after a 6-4 win last Saturday night over
the Binghamton Black Bears. The high-scoring win, their first victory on home ice over
Binghamton this season, kept the team’s playoff hopes alive entering the final four games of the
season.
After heading to the 1 st intermission up 2-1, the Black Bears responded with two goals in the
second period to take their first (and only) lead of the night. However, late in the period, Eli
Rivers and Chance Adrian scored twice in the final three minutes to hand the Hat Tricks a 4-3
lead after two.
Austin D’Orazio tied the game for Binghamton halfway through the third, the fourth tie of the
night. Less than a minute later, recently signed rookie Grady Friedman beat Dysen Skinner for
the game-winning goal. Kaiden Kanderka added an empty netter, sealing a big win over the
league leaders.
AYDEN PIERCE SHINES IN PROFESSIONAL DEBUT
Ayden Pierce was the story of the night on Saturday. Making his first professional start, he made
45 saves, standing on his head as Binghamton outshot Danbury by 24 shots (49-25 total).
It’s hard to think of a more high-leverage situation to start your first career game. If Danbury had
lost in regulation, knowing now Topeka had earned 1 point in an OT loss, they would’ve been
mathematically eliminated from playoff contention.
Earning the 1st star of the night, Pierce received multiple rounds of applause from the Danbury
faithful after huge saves down the stretch. Stepping into the shoes of Kyle Penton, the team’s
starter who had played 38 of the last 39 periods, the 21 year old rookie was fantastic.
PLAYOFF HOPES HANG IN THE BALANCE
With Saturday night’s win and Topeka’s 2-3 overtime loss to Indiana, the “magic number” is 3
points. With four games to go, Danbury (70 pts) can finish with as many as 82 points. If Topeka
(80 pts) earns 3 points from their final five games, they clinch the fourth and final playoff spot in
the empire division.
Danbury’s final four games are as follows: at Watertown (4/3), vs Port Huron (4/4), vs
Binghamton (4/10), and at Binghamton (4/11). Topeka’s final five games (one game in hand)
include two vs Baton Rouge (4/3, 4/4) and a three-game set vs Indiana (4/9, 4/10, 4/11).
A regulation loss tonight would officially eliminate the Hat Tricks from a postseason berth. Even
if Danbury beats Watertown tonight, a Topeka regulation win (3 pts) seals it. It will be an uphill
climb, and the Hat Tricks do not control their own destiny.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Tonight will be the 17th and final game between the Hat Tricks and Wolves this season.
Danbury leads the season series 10-6 outright (7-4-2-3). At Watertown Arena, the Hat Tricks are
4-2 in 2025-2026.
The teams’ most recent matchup came on March 21st in a neutral-site game in Morristown, New
Jersey. The Hat Tricks won that game 3-1 at the historic Mennen Arena, with goals from Genaro
Fronduto, Grady Friedman, and Eli Rivers.
The Hat Tricks are 3-2 in their last five vs Watertown, having won the last three meetings.
ABOUT THE WOLVES
The Watertown Wolves (11-32-6-3) enter the weekend in 6th place in the empire division and
are eliminated from postseason contention. The team has struggled as of late, going 1-8-1 in their
last ten.
Egor Filippov is the team’s leading goalscorer and points leader (28 goals, 34 assists, 62 points).
Darion Benchich leads the team in assists (12 goals, 32 assists, 44 points). In net, former Hat
Trick Ricardo Gonzalez has made nine starts since being traded on February 23rd for Konstantin
Chernyuk. He is 1-7-1 in those games with an .883 save percentage and 3.88 GAA.
HAT TRICKS HEADLINES
TRIP UP NORTH BEFORE SATURDAY’S ALUMNI NIGHT
The Hat Tricks travel to Watertown Friday night for their final game vs the Wolves this season.
With a win and some help in the Topeka vs Baton Rouge game, the team’s playoff hopes will
remain alive ahead of Saturday night’s home game vs the Port Huron Prowlers.
On Saturday night, the Danbury Hat Tricks will be hosting the 6th annual Alumni Night. Former
players, staff, and contributors from Danbury professional hockey teams past and present will be
in attendance for another reunion and celebration of Danbury hockey. We hope to see you there!
The Danbury Hat Tricks continue their sixth season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League on Friday, April 3rd (7:30 p.m.) at the Watertown Arena, to take on the Watertown Wolves. Single-game tickets and partial season ticket packages are on sale and can be purchased in person at the Hat Tricks office located inside the Danbury Ice Arena at 1 Independence Way in Danbury, by calling (973-713-7547) or emailing (herm@danburyhattricks.com) the office, or online through Tixr. For the latest Hat Tricks news, visit www.danburyhattricks.com, follow the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/danburyhattricks), Instagram (@danburyhattricks), X (@DanburyHatTrick), TikTok (@danburyhattricks), and YouTube (@DanburyHatTricks), and subscribe to the Hat Tricks' newsletter.
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.