Game Recap: McCollum Stops 50 Shots, Hat Tricks Fall 2-1 to Binghamton

by Wyatt Kopelman

DANBURY — Gavin Yates scored in the second period for his second goal in four games, Nolan Egbert stopped 29 shots, and the Binghamton Black Bears took down the Hat Tricks, 2-1, on Friday night.

Yates’ goal at 13:40 provided the Black Bears the game-winning goal on his second against the Hat Tricks this season. Cameron Clark also scored, tying the game on the power play with a wrist shot in the first period.

Making 50 saves for the second time this season, Conor McCollum was under pressure early as the Black Bears outshot the Hat Tricks 24-7 through the first 20 minutes. The second-year netminder also logged 51 saves in Danbury’s first loss to Binghamton of the season.

Rookie forward Gleb Bandurkin scored just 34 seconds into the first, his first goal since his season debut on Nov. 1, to give the Hat Tricks their only lead. Aleksandr Gamzatov collected an assist for the second straight contest.

Danbury finished 0-for-5 on the power play and was outshot 52-30, but peppered Egbert for 13 shots in the third.

The Black Bears have won nine of their first 11 games, despite taking one of two losses to Danbury on Nov. 2 in an eight-round shootout. 

Up next, Danbury will try to overcome a three-game skid in a rematch with Binghamton at home on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.


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.