Game Recap: Hat Tricks Grab Point for 12th Straight Home Game, Lose 5-4 to Venom in OT

DANBURY — Dzianis Zaichyk scored the game-winning goal at 1:01 of overtime in a 5-4 win for HC Venom at the Danbury Ice Arena on Saturday. The Venom clawed back from four one-goal deficits, two in the third, and goalie Rahul Sharma made 46 saves for his second straight win.

Cory Anderson’s 20th-career power play goal in front put the Hat Tricks ahead, 4-3, with 4:38 to go in regulation. The Bakersfield, Calif., forward netted his third on the man advantage of the season.

HC Venom scored two goals in the third period, one from Dixon Bowen off an offensive zone draw at 5:26. Nathan Butler then tied the game at four with 2:58 left in regulation.

Connor Woolley scored for the second straight night on a wrist shot near the goal line, lifting the Hat Tricks ahead, 2-1, at 2:58 of the middle frame. HC Venom’s Dustin Jesseau then countered alone in the slot for the equalizer at 9:41.

With 7:16 left in the second, Chase Harwell settled a banked pass in the neutral zone, flew into the zone, and buried a wrist shot to make it 3-2 Hat Tricks.

Defenseman Zach Ross scored on a rebound in the low slot giving Danbury a 1-0 lead at 4:22 of the first. The 25-year-old rookie tucked home his first goal in his second Hat Tricks game.

HC Venom answered with a power play goal from Kaleb Kinskey at 10:22 to tie the game at one. Kinskey scored on a deflection near the crease.

Conor McCollum stopped 27 shots and fell to 18-10-6. McCollum’s win streak ended at two.

The Hat Tricks tallied one point and have secured points in each of their last 12 home games and in 17 of their previous 18 contests overall. Danbury now leads the season series 8-2 with two games remaining.

Up next, the Hat Tricks host the final contest of their three-game weekend against the Venom on Sunday. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m.

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.

Danbury Hat Tricks 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).