Game Recap: Hat Tricks Drop Season Opener to Prowlers, 3-1

DANBURY — In a highly anticipated Opening Night matchup, the Port Huron Prowlers defeated the Danbury Hat Tricks 3-1 in the first meeting between the teams since the Ben Brockway “flag plant” incident at the end of Game 3 of last season’s Empire Division semifinals.

Defenseman Alex Johnson led the way for Port Huron with two goals — the opening tally at 6:21 of the second period and the insurance marker at 11:42 of the third. Head coach and general manager Matt Graham scored the game-winner on the power play, slipping the puck under the pad of Hat Tricks goaltender Frankie McClendon midway through the third period.

Goaltender Reid Cooper was stellar in net for the Prowlers, stopping 47 of 48 shots for his first win of the season.

Danbury’s lone goal came from alternate captain Josh Labelle, who snapped a power-play shot from the top of the blueline over Cooper’s left shoulder to tie the game at 1-1. The goal came after Port Huron’s Jamie Bucell was assessed a five-minute major for charging following a hit on Hat Tricks captain Jonny Ruiz, who left the game but did return.

Just two seconds into the contest, Danbury’s Jesse Swanson and Port Huron’s A.J. Schlepp dropped the gloves in response to Brockway’s actions at the end of last year’s playoff series. Later in the first period, the 6-foot-8 Swanson fought Brockway off a defensive-zone faceoff. Two additional fights followed — between Danbury’s Josh Tomasi and Bucell at 8:27 of the second period, and between Port Huron’s Brett Morich and Danbury’s Justin Movalli later in the game.

The Hat Tricks and Prowlers meet again Saturday night at the Danbury Ice Arena. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. as Danbury looks to split the opening-weekend series.

The Danbury Hat Tricks open their sixth season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League on Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11, with a playoff rematch against the Port Huron Prowlers at the Danbury Ice Arena. Single-game tickets and season ticket packages are on sale now 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.

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.