Game Recap: Hat Tricks Outlasted by Watertown in Overtime, 3-2

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Carter Thornton’s game-winner at 3:13 of overtime was the difference in a 3-2 Watertown win over the Hat Tricks on Friday night in Danbury’s first game of the weekend. The Wolves came from behind twice in the second period to pick up two points and improve to 4-1-1-1. Despite the loss, Danbury has now secured points in four straight games (8) but falls to 2-1-2.

The first period was a goaltending battle between Danbury’s Frankie McClendon and Watertown’s Anton Borodkin until Hat Tricks forward Gleb Bandurkin notched his first professional goal in his pro debut at 14:49. The frame ended with the Hat Tricks up 1-0 despite being outshot 13-7.

The second period saw three goals, two from Watertown and one from Danbury. Defenseman Dustin Perillat beat McClendon on a sharp-angle shot on the power play at 7:23 to tie the game. About seven minutes later, the Hat Tricks re-took the lead when Jacob Ratcliffe buried a rebound in front for his second goal of the season and team-high ninth point (14:44). The lead did not last long as Wolves winger Chase DiBari evened the score at two just 1:36 later and that is how the period ended. Through 40 minutes the shots were 24-20 in favor of Watertown.

Despite 17 combined shots in the third period, no one found the back of the net sending the game to overtime where Thornton sniped home the game-winner over the blocker of McClendon.

McClendon made 32 saves on 35 shots in his first start of the season while Borodkin stopped 33 of 35 shots for the Wolves. 

The Hat Tricks finish up their weekend in New York on Saturday against the Black Bears. The puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.

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.