Hat Tricks Acquire Forward Austan Bellefeuille from Indiana

September 4 2025

DANBURY — The Danbury Hat Tricks have acquired forward Austan Bellefeuille from the Indiana Sentinels in exchange for defenseman Ivan Ponivanov.

Bellefeuille, 27, began his professional career last season with the Blue Ridge Bobcats, producing 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) and logging 32 penalty minutes in 33 games. Later in the year, the Framingham, Massachusetts, native was loaned to the SPHL’s Fayetteville Marksmen, appearing in three games (one assist) before returning to Blue Ridge. In May, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound righty was selected by the Sentinels in the FPHL Expansion Draft.

“Austan was someone I watched closely all last season,” Hat Tricks general manager AJ Galante said. “He’s a pure playmaker who plays with a passion that Danbury fans will love. I’m expecting a huge season from him.”

Before turning pro, Bellefeuille spent five seasons in NCAA Division III hockey, first at Nichols College (2019–22) and later at Curry College (2022–24). Over 88 collegiate games, he totaled 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists). His most productive season came in 2023–24 at Curry, when he notched 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 28 games.

Austan's uncle, Blake Bellefeuille, scored the first goal in Danbury professional hockey history on Oct. 15, 2004, netting a power-play tally just 5:23 into the Trashers’ inaugural game.

Ponivanov, 26, was acquired by the Hat Tricks on May 22 from the Pee Dee IceCats for a second-round dispersal draft pick from the Motor City Rockers and a dispersal draft selection from the Dashers Hockey Club.

The 2025–26 season is right around the corner and single-game and season tickets are on sale now! To learn more about our ticket packages and pricing, click here or email herm@danburyhattricks.com. To stay up to date on all things Danbury Hat Tricks hockey, visit www.danburyhattricks.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube (@DanburyHatTricks), subscribe to the Hat Tricks' newsletter here, and find game materials—game notes, line charts, and media guides—updated every game here.

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.