Game Recap: Hat Tricks Hold On in Poughkeepsie, Nudge Past Venom 5-4

Poughkeepsie, N.Y. — Chase Harwell and Aleksandr Vasilyev each scored two goals and the Hat Tricks took down HC Venom, 5-4, at McCann Ice Arena on Wednesday.

Harwell opened the scoring for the Hat Tricks in the first period. The second-year center buried his 20th goal of the season at 9:06, supplying Danbury with a 1-0 lead. Vasilyev, who missed the last six games while on the 15-day injury reserve, scored unassisted on the breakaway to double the lead.

HC Venom countered with a goal at 17:06 as Ivan Ponivanov’s snapshot from the left circle reduced the lead to 2-1.

The middle frame was back and forth. Xavier Abdella’s stretch pass met Cory Anderson in the offensive zone andAnderson moved Danbury ahead, 3-1, at 5:21. Anderson potted his second goal in his last four outings.

But HC Venom used two Danbury minors to tie the game at three. Dzianis Zaichyk cashed in at 10:07 of the second on Chase Harwell’s high-sticking penalty. Xavier Abdella sat for interference and Jonas Leas deflected home Mark Pozsar’s wrist shot with 8:01 left.

Vasilyev gave the Hat Tricks a 5-3 lead with nearly eight minutes remaining in the third from the right circle. The 35-year-old forward logged his first two-goal outing since Danbury’s win against HC Venom (6-5W) on Jan. 3.

HC Venom’s Steven Ford’s takeaway in Danbury’s zone paid off, however. Ford dropped for Zaichyk, who scored shorthanded in the slot to make it a 5-4 game at 15:53.

Frankie McClendon made 26 saves to win his sixth start in a row. The ninth-year netminder improved to 8-1-1 and is three wins from tying his most in a single season (11) from 2022-23.

With the win, Danbury finished its three-game road trip with six points (2-1) and has won 19 of its last 26 games (15-4-3-4). The Hat Tricks have won six of their last eight road contests.

Up next, the Hat Tricks host the Dashers for the start of a two-game set on Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 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.

The 2025 Commissioner's Cup Playoffs start next month, and our playoff ticket package is on sale now! Lock in your seats for the full playoff run and save. A comprehensive postseason package is just $72—only $12 per ticket, a 35% discount. If any games are not played, you will receive a refund or a credit for the 2025-26 season. To purchase a playoff package, email herm@danburyhattricks.com or call 973-713-7547.

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).