Game Recap: Hat Tricks Push Past Prowlers 5-4 in Port Huron

PORT HURON, MICH. — Gleb Bandurkin's game-winning goal five minutes into the third period nudged the Hat Tricks 5-4 by the Prowlers in Danbury's first trip to Port Huron since Apr. 15, 2024. The victory marked the Hat Tricks' second in three games and their first of a six-game road trip which started Wednesday, Nov. 27 in Binghamton.

Connor Woolley netted two goals while Vadim Frolov (1g, 1a) and Jacob Ratcliffe (2a) each had two points. Frankie McClendon made 33 saves for his first win of the season in his second start and defenseman Dustin Henning potted his first goal of the year against his former team. D-man Josh Labelle picked up his 100th FPHL point on Woolley's first goal.

1:40 into the first period, Woolley intercepted a pass from Port Huron netminder Reid Cooper and fired it into the open net to give Danbury a 1-0 lead. At 4:30 on the power play, Port Huron answered when forward and former Hat Trick Joel Frazee waited on the backdoor and tapped home the game-tying goal. Just four minutes later, off the faceoff win, forward captain Austin Fetterly ripped it home from the top of the circle to give the Prowlers first lead of the night. On the man advantage at 11:20, Danbury forward Vadim Frolov tipped it in a point shot from Josh Labelle for his second power-play goal in as many nights. Just 15 seconds later, Woolley rushed into the zone, danced around Prowlers defenseman Ludwig Thellstrom, and fired it inside the right post to put the Hat Tricks back in front.

13:04 into the second period, the initial shot from Prowlers forward Jake Vaughan at the top of the circle was denied but rookie forward Kenneth Styles followed it up and tapped it in for his first professional goal. With 6:11 left in the second period, Dustin Hennings, in his return to Port Huron, crashed the net and one-touched a centering pass through Cooper to score his first goal of the season and second as the Hat Trick. 

Not even 30 seconds into the third period, Tucker Scantlebury crashed the net, collided with McClendon, and forced the puck through the pad to tie the game 4-4. But Danbury forward Bandurkin responded 4:30 later on the set up from his linemate Aleksandr Gamzatov and snapped it in past Cooper to give Danbury its fourth goal of the game. 

The Hat Tricks held on the rest of the way to secure the three points on Black Friday.

Danbury returns to action on Saturday, Nov. 30 inside the McMorran Arena for the second game of the weekend against Port Huron. Puck drop is set for 7:05 pm.

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.

From Friday, Nov. 29, to Monday, Dec. 2,  fans can enjoy 25% off all Danbury Hat Tricks merchandise, excluding authentic jerseys. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on hats, hoodies, T-shirts, and more to show your team pride or find the ultimate gift for the Hat Tricks fan in your life. Use code “BLACKFRIDAY” at checkout when shopping online to grab your discounted gear.

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.