HAT TRICKS SELECT FORWARD KYLE HEITZNER IN PEE DEE PLAYER DISPERSAL DRAFT

DANBURY – On July 10th, 2026, the Danbury Hat Tricks selected forward Kyle Heitzner in a leaguewide dispersal draft.

Friday afternoon, the FPHL completed a randomized, two-round dispersal draft to address the League-recognized rights of players listed with the involuntarily suspended Pee Dee affiliate. Danbury selected Heitzner with the 25th pick.

Heitzner, 26, split the 2025-2026 season between the FPHL, SPHL, and ECHL, skating for 6 different teams across the three leagues. His longest stint came with the Blue Ridge Bobcats where he logged 10 goals and 6 assists in only 17 games. The Ontario native played vs the Hat Tricks for Blue Ridge on December 5th and 6th, notching a goal and an assist at the Danbury Ice Arena.

The rest of Heitzner’s season was split between Roanoke in the SPHL (3 games, 1 assist), Adirondack (2 games) and Tulsa (1 game) in the ECHL, and finally back with Biloxi (8 games, 4 goals, 6 assists) and Pee Dee (1 game) in the FPHL.

Heitzner’s well-traveled campaign was his 5th in the FPHL, having represented 8 different league franchises throughout his career He previously spent time in multiple Canadian leagues (OEHL, WOAA) after a junior career that included three seasons in the OHL with Barrie and Mississauga.

General Manager A.J. Galante offered comments on the selection – “Kyle Heitzner is one of my favorite players in hockey. He is tailor-made for Danbury. He can hit, score, fight, and he is known to be one of the best teammates in the league. I’m beyond excited that we were able to obtain his rights, and I fully intend on striking a deal with him for the coming season.”

Head Coach John Bierchen also gave his thoughts – “Heitzner has proven he can score at every level he’s been at. If you look at his ECHL call ups last season, I think he still hasn’t reached his full potential and has room to become even better. We’re excited to have him in Danbury because the sky is the limit for him.”

The entire Hat Tricks organization extends a warm welcome to Kyle Heitzner!

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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