Game Recap: Hat Tricks Fumble Lead, Fall in Shootout to Rockers, 6-5

FRASER, MICH. — Eli Rivers and Adam Kuhn both scored in the shootout, leading the Motor City Rockers to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Hat Tricks on Friday night at Big Boy Arena. The win marked the Rockers’ first at home this season and extended their streak to three games while snapping Danbury’s two-game winning streak.  

Rivers clinched the shootout in the fourth round, while goaltender Ricardo Gonzalez anchored the Rockers with a stellar 52-save performance, including key stops in overtime to deny Danbury’s five shots in the extra frame. Gonzalez, who also secured a shootout win last week, rebounded after a 6-2 loss to Danbury the last time the teams played (Oct. 19).  

Down 2-0, the Hat Tricks rallied to score four unanswered goals, including Gleb Bandurkin’s wraparound tally late in the second period, giving them a 4-2 lead. Vadim Frolov and Connor Woolley struck just 11 seconds apart earlier in the opening minute of the middle frame, building on Jonny Ruiz’s first-period power-play goal with just 29 seconds to go in the period. Ruiz, tied for the team-lead in points with 15, extended his point streak to three games with the goal.  

But Motor City surged back with T.J. Sneath and Eli Rivers scoring just under two minutes apart between the end of the second and start of the third to level the game. Jameson Milam forced overtime with a clutch 6-on-4 power-play goal at 18:38 of the third, capitalizing on a rebound to tie it 5-5.  

Aleksandr Gamzatov had briefly put Danbury ahead 5-4 midway through the final frame, scoring off a rebound for his team-high seventh goal of the season.  

The Rockers had jumped out to an early 2-0 lead with goals from Cody Oakes and Tristen Wells in the first six minutes. Oakes scored shorthanded just 10 seconds into a delay-of-game penalty, and Wells followed with his third of the season. Milam assisted on both goals. 

Danbury goaltender Andrew LoRusso made a career-high 34 saves in his second professional start.  

The Hat Tricks are now 1-4 in overtime games this year with their lone win coming in a shootout against Binghamton on Nov. 2.

The Hat Tricks will look to bounce back on Saturday in a rematch against the Rockers, with puck drop set for 7:05 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, Connecticut, competing in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). Since their founding in 2019, the Hat Tricks have brought thrilling, hard-hitting hockey to the Danbury Ice Arena, earning a reputation for their fierce competitive spirit and strong community presence. The team is dedicated to providing an exciting game-day experience for fans of all ages, with a focus on building long-lasting connections within the local community.

Proudly representing Danbury, the Hat Tricks are committed to excellence both on and off the ice. In addition to developing top-tier hockey talent, the team engages in numerous community outreach programs, fostering relationships with local schools, businesses, and charities. The Hat Tricks aim to continue growing the sport of hockey in the area and provide entertainment that brings the community together.

Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or new to the sport, the Danbury Hat Tricks promise an unforgettable experience every time they take the ice.