Game Recap: Hat Tricks Edge Venom in Shootout, 4-3, to Sweep Weekend Set

DANBURY — The Hat Tricks refused to back down. Trailing 2-0 after the second period, Danbury rattled off three unanswered goals before scoring twice in their fourth shootout of the season to take down HC Venom 4-3 on Saturday night inside the Danbury Ice Arena. The Hat Tricks swept the weekend for the first time since Nov. 30. 

Chase Harwell and Connor Woolley both scored for the Hat Tricks in the shootout in the first and third rounds, while Conor McCollum denied two HC Venom chances. 

With the win, the Hat Tricks broke a five-game losing streak in games after regulation and picked up their first victory when trailing after two periods (1-8-0). Danbury leads the season series with the Venom 4-1.

Ahead 3-2 with 10 minutes remaining in regulation, Danbury looked to have swiped all the momentum it needed.

But HC Venom then answered.

Brett Jackson tied the game at three for HC Venom with 9:42 left, netting his first goal of the season to eventually force overtime. Both teams tallied only three combined shots in the extra frame.

Co-head coach and captain Jonny Ruiz scored for the second straight game, slicing HC Venom’s lead to 2-1 with a shorthanded goal 17 seconds into the third. Aleksandr Gamzatov tipped in the tying goal at 5:27 and Aleksandr Vasilev gave Danbury its first lead of the night, 3-2, 19 seconds later.

The teams’ fourth of 11 battles this season remained scoreless until Dustin Jesseau scored the go-ahead goal on a rebound for HC Venom’s first of the contest at 4:03 in the second. The former Hat Tricks forward registered his sixth goal of the season series. Jonas Leas doubled the lead at 19:07.

McCollum stopped 49 shots and picked up his second shootout win of the season. The 27-year-old helped guide Danbury to its 4-3 shootout victory at Binghamton on Nov. 2.

Up next, the Hat Tricks visit the Blue Ridge Bobcats for the first time this season on Friday. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.

Single-game tickets and full/partial season membership plans are still available for purchase. If you are interested, email herm@danburyhattricks.com or go to Tixr.

To stay up to date on all things Danbury Hat Tricks hockey, go to danburyhattricks.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok (@DanburyHatTricks).

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.