HAT TRICKS BRING BACK JOE SANTORO AND AYDEN PIERCE

DANBURY – The Danbury Hat Tricks announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Joe Santoro and goaltender Ayden Pierce on PTO contracts for the 2026-27 season.

Both Santoro and Pierce joined the Hat Tricks midway through the 2025-2026 season as rookies, making their mark at the Danbury Ice Arena in their own respects.

Joe Santoro joined the Hat Tricks in early March after finishing his collegiate career at nearby Post University. The Middlebury, Connecticut native made his debut on March 13th in a 4-2 win vs the Watertown Wolves. Two games later, the forward scored his first professional goal in a 5-1 win vs Watertown. Adding an assist vs Binghamton on March 28th, he finished with 2 points across 8 games.

Santoro expressed his excitement about returning to Danbury, saying, “Coming in late with only 6 or so weeks left in the season, the guys made it so easy. I think we have a really great group that made the transition from college to Danbury very easy for me. I’m looking forward to really kinda sinking my teeth into it now and getting a full season.”

Head Coach John Bierchen also offered comments on the news – “With the short time Joe spent with us, you could quickly tell he’s going to be an important piece of any success we have. He’s great on faceoffs and disciplined in the defensive zone. We were able to rely on him in those situations during some big moments at the end of the year, and we will continue to call on him for those moments this upcoming season.”

Joining Santoro is Ayden Pierce, one of a handful of goaltenders to occupy the crease for Danbury this past season. After signing with the team from Misericordia University on January 24th, the Oshawa, Ontario netminder went on to make three starts for the Hat Tricks.

In his first career start, Pierce put together a memorable performance vs the FPHL-champion Black Bears, making 45 saves in the 6-4 win. In his three starts, he posted a .910 save percentage with a 3.62 goals against average.

“I’m super excited to be back in Danbury,” Pierce said. “The organization, fans, teammates, community, everything. It’s a super easy decision. With last year, how the season went, coming in a little bit later than some guys and just being welcomed in with open arms by everybody, it meant a lot to make Danbury home. It was a no-brainer to make my way back.

John Bierchen spoke on Pierce’s return – “We didn’t get [Pierce] as many games at the end as we would have liked. However, in the games he played, he performed as advertised. Watching the current NHL playoffs, it is clear how having two solid goalies is needed to win and we believe having Ayden back gives us that.”

Pierce and Santoro will join the Hat Tricks in training camp this summer as the team prepares for the 2026-2027 FPHL season.

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.

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