Game Recap: Hat Tricks Pot Two Shorthanded Goals, Top Venom 4-2

DANBURY — Co-head coach Jonny Ruiz had two goals in the first period, Frankie McClendon made a season-high 44 saves, and the Hat Tricks took down HC Venom, 4-2, at the Danbury Ice Arena on Sunday.

Ruiz scored his 20th and 21st goals of the season for the Hat Tricks, who have logged points in 13 straight home games and lead the season series 9-2. The forward scored on the backhand at 10:59 and potted the second one shorthanded on his own rebound 7 ½ minutes later, putting Danbury ahead 2-0. Ruiz tallied his fourth shorthanded goal of the season and has seven goals and four assists over his last seven outings.

HC Venom answered with a goal in the middle frame. Jonas Leas snuck into the slot and scored through traffic with 6:19 to go.

Gleb Bandurkin’s takeaway on the boards turned into a rush and Chase Harwell buried a shorthanded goal, his fourth of the season, in the crease as the Hat Tricks took a 3-1 lead with 1:12 left in the second.

Check-from-behind and interference minors on HC Venom’s Nathan Butler and Nikolai Salov in the third gave Danbury a chance at another insurance goal at four-on-three. Kyle Gonzalez sniped home a power play goal with 3:42 remaining as the Hat Tricks went ahead 4-1. The defenseman scored his first power play goal of the season and second in his career.

Danbury netted two shorthanded goals and has the second-most in the FPHL (10) behind Binghamton (14). Its penalty kill remained sterling, delivering in all seven opportunities, and is 60-for-65 (92.3%) over the last 13 games.

McClendon stopped 44 shots, the most since Jan. 11, 2024, as a Carolina Thunderbirds goaltender. The ninth-year goaltender improved to 7-1-1 and has won in five straight starts.

Up next, Danbury plays at Watertown on Thursday to start a three-game road trip. 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.

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).