GAME RECAP: Hat Tricks Swept by Wolves, Can’t Mount Comeback

The Danbury Hat Tricks dropped both games of their weekend series against the Watertown Wolves, falling 4-3 on Friday, Nov. 7, and 7-4 on Saturday, Nov. 8. With Saturday’s loss, Danbury is in danger of slipping to fifth in the Empire Division if the Blue Ridge Bobcats defeat Port Huron.

Following an instigating penalty on Hat Tricks defenseman Jackson Legro, Watertown opened the scoring with an Egor Filippov goal on the man advantage in the first period. Wolves forward Chris Corgan made it 2-0 early in the second before Filippov netted his second power-play goal of the night.  

After a flurry of moves in late October, it's clear the transformed Hat Tricks’ best asset is its top line, consisting of rookies Drew Welsch (4 goals, 4 assists), Jordon Kromm (5 goals, 1 assist), and Alexander Legkov (8 goals, 10 assists). 

Against the Wolves, Danbury’s No. 1 line dominated ice time and tested Watertown goalie Matt Lenz early in the first frame, helping the Hat Tricks outshoot the Wolves 17-11.

The Welsch-Kromm-Legkov connection cooled off after Danbury fell into a 4-0 hole early in the second period. Legkov put the Hat Tricks on the board with his ninth goal of the season, which leads all players at 8:59 in the second period. 

Watertown forwards Quinn Chevers and Yefim Mishkin each got on the scoresheet as well, capping off a strong five-goal period for the Wolves. Legkov extended his five-game goal streak to six with Danbury’s first of the night midway through the period, followed by forward Kaiden Kanderka’s first professional goal at 15:28 of the second frame.

Danbury forward Josh Newberg and Watertown forward Pasquale Demitrio found the net in the third period, and Hat Tricks defenseman Trey Deloury scored his first professional goal. Still, it wasn't enough for a comeback as Corgan cashed in on Danbury’s empty net.

With the season series split at two games apiece, the 4-5-1 Hat Tricks return to the ice Friday, Nov. 14, when they host the Wolves for the fifth game of this six-game series.

The Danbury Hat Tricks continue their sixth season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League on Friday, Nov. 14 (7:30 p.m.) at home, and Saturday, Nov. 15 (7:00 p.m.) in Watertown, N.Y., versus the Watertown Wolves. Single-game tickets and season ticket packages are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Hat Tricks office located inside the Danbury Ice Arena at 1 Independence Way in Danbury, by calling (973-713-7547) or emailing (herm@danburyhattricks.com) the office, or online through Tixr. For the latest Hat Tricks news, visit www.danburyhattricks.com, follow the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/danburyhattricks), Instagram (@danburyhattricks), X (@DanburyHatTrick), TikTok (@danburyhattricks), and YouTube (@DanburyHatTricks), and subscribe to the Hat Tricks' newsletter.

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.