Hat Tricks Add MJ Maerkl to Coaching Staff for 2025-26 Season

July 14, 2025

DANBURY — The Danbury Hat Tricks announced today the addition of MJ Maerkl to the coaching staff as an assistant for the 2025-26 season.

Maerkl brings nearly a decade of professional hockey experience as a player, coach and executive to Danbury. He joins head coach Nick Niedert in leading the Hat Tricks with a shared goal of bringing another championship to the Hat City.

“We are very excited to add MJ to the staff,” said Hat Tricks team president Herm Sorcher. “His work and efforts in Hudson Valley last season were off the charts. The fans are going to love his passion and energy. It’s going to be a hard-hitting season.”

A native of Binghamton, New York, Maerkl began his pro career in 2016 with the Danville Dashers and later played for the Binghamton Black Bears from 2021-23. He went on to serve as a player assistant coach for the Elmira Mammoth, helping guide the expansion franchise through its inaugural campaign.

Maerkl remained in Elmira for the launch of the RiverSharks, again serving as a player assistant coach and appearing in 36 games as a forward and defenseman.

Most recently, he led the HC Venom, where he was promoted to head coach, general manager and director of hockey operations during the team’s relocation to Poughkeepsie.

“MJ brings a valuable mix of experience, energy and perspective,” Niedert said. “He understands what it takes to run a bench and support a locker room, and I’m excited to have him on board as we build toward our goals.”

In addition to his FPHL experience, Maerkl also served as an assistant and skills coach in the USPHL, working with Binghamton’s Elite, Premier and NCDC teams.

He earned a degree in sports nutrition and fitness management from Morrisville State College, where he played two seasons (2014–16) at the NCAA Division III level.

Away from the rink, Maerkl enjoys fishing, traveling to summer CAN/AM tournaments with friends and preparing for the birth of his first child, a son, due in September.

“It’s a pleasure to be a part of Danbury,” Maerkl said. “I’ve missed being part of something like this for a very long time. I’m excited to be here, and hopefully we can bring a championship back to Danbury.”

Maerkl was a five-sport athlete in high school and remains a die-hard New York Rangers fan.

Welcome to Hat City, MJ!

The 2025–26 season is right around the corner and season tickets will be on sale soon! To learn more about our ticket packages, email herm@danburyhattricks.com. To stay up to date on all things Danbury Hat Tricks hockey, go to www.danburyhattricks.com, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube (@DanburyHatTricks), sign up for 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.