GAME RECAP: HAT TRICKS DOWN BOBCATS TO CLIMB WITHIN 5 PTS OF PLAYOFFS
HAT TRICKS DOWN BOBCATS TO CLIMB WITHIN 5 POINTS OF PLAYOFFS
The Danbury Hat Tricks narrowly defeated the Blue Ridge Bobcats tonight by a score of 2-1. With the win, Danbury now trails Blue Ridge by 8 points for the 4th and final playoff spot in the empire division.
Despite being outshot 30-42, Danbury secured the win off the back of goaltender Kyle Penton. The rookie posted another stellar outing, making 41 saves off 42 shots faced, earning him the 1st star of the night.
Early in the first period, the Hat Tricks capitalized off a powerplay opportunity to take an early lead. Under 26 seconds into the man-advantage, Genaro Fronduto found Eli Rivers cross-ice in the low circle, freeing the Vermont native to fire a shot past Anthony Shrum at 5:18 for his 17th goal of the season. Danbury took their lead into the intermission despite being outshot 10-19.
Halfway through the second, Anton Rubtsov won the puck along the half wall, skating around the net before tucking home a neat wraparound goal at 12:39.
In the third period, the Bobcats did their best to keep it interesting, surviving a 5-on-3 on the penalty kill and continuing to put shots on net. Blue Ridge scored on the powerplay at 17:15 off a Nicholas Stuckless shot in front, but despite hitting the post in the final minutes, the Hat Tricks survived and came out with the win.
The Hat Tricks and Bobcats will play the second game of their weekend series on Saturday night at the Danbury Ice Arena. Puck drop is set for 7pm.
The Danbury Hat Tricks continue their sixth season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League on Saturday, March 7 (7:30 p.m.) at the Danbury Ice Arena, to take on the Blue Ridge Bobcats. 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.