Hat Tricks Name John Bierchen Head Coach

DANBURY — The Danbury Hat Tricks announced today that John Bierchen has been named the team’s head coach ahead of the 2025–26 season.

Bierchen, 37, brings more than a decade of diverse coaching experience across North America and Europe. He most recently served as associate head coach of the Nordic Hockey Academy U20 program in Austria. Previously, he led EA Oberösterreich’s U20 squad for two seasons and Kärpät U18 Akatemia in Finland’s U18 SM-sarja.

The Clearwater, Florida, native’s coaching journey began in the United States with stops at SUNY-Canton (NCAA Division III) and the Columbus Cottonmouths (SPHL), followed by a head coaching position at his alma mater, the University of Alabama. In just the program’s second year at the ACHA Division I level, he guided the Crimson Tide to a 19-14-2 record. Bierchen then advanced to the ECHL as an assistant with the Indy Fuel before returning to the SPHL to take charge of the Fayetteville Marksmen in 2018.

Bierchen then moved overseas, where his career expanded internationally. He spent two seasons as head coach of the Beaufort Knights in Belgium while also serving on the staff of Luxembourg’s national team, including World Championship competition. He later guided Laser HT for two seasons in Finland’s third division, the Suomi-sarja, before moving into Finland’s junior system with Kärpät. His recent stops in Austria have included leading EA Oberösterreich’s U20 program and assisting at the Nordic Hockey Academy.

“Joining a first-class organization like Danbury with such a rich and unique hockey history is an incredible opportunity,” Bierchen said. “I’ve heard only amazing things about the staff and fans. The Danbury hockey community has been there from the beginning and only grown stronger over the years. I am looking forward to experiencing their passion and giving them more moments to cheer for.”

“John brings a wealth of experience from all levels of hockey, from North America to Europe,” general manager AJ Galante said. “He understands the type of team Danbury fans expect to see, hardworking, physical and competitive every night. We’re confident he will continue to build on the strong culture we’ve established here.”

“We’ll play with a style of hockey that won’t allow anyone to be ‘planting the flag,’” Bierchen added. “Both because of the results on the scoreboard and our approach each shift. Danbury already has its identity and culture, a unique but traditional, tough-to-play-against, defending-home-ice style that’s been well documented over the city’s hockey history. It’s my job to hold the players to that standard every single day. My family and I are looking forward to meeting everyone, and we can’t wait to experience the Danbury Ice Arena on opening night.”

“Danbury has always had a special connection between the players on the ice and the fans in the stands,” team president Herm Sorcher said. “John gets that. He knows the importance of defending home ice, embracing the city’s unique identity and giving our fans a team they can be proud of. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Hat Tricks family.”

Before transitioning to coaching, Bierchen played as a goaltender for the University of Alabama (ACHA) and appeared in the SPHL with the Columbus Cottonmouths.

The 2025–26 season is right around the corner and season tickets are on sale now! To learn more about our ticket packages, click here or 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.