Hat Tricks Sign Kyle Gonzalez

DANBURY, CT. -- The Danbury Hat Tricks of the Federal Prospects Hockey League signed defenseman Kyle Gonzalez to a professional tryout contract (PTO).

The 28-year-old was a member of the Hat Tricks in their inaugural season of 2019-20. As a rookie that season, he played on the top defensive pair and had six points (one goal, five assists) in 10 games before being promoted to Roanoke in the Southern Professional Hockey League. He had five points (one goal, four assists) in 35 games with Roanoke.

“Kyle’s return to Danbury is a welcomed one,” Hat Tricks general manager and coach Billy McCreary said. “He started his pro career here and through his own hard work, earned an opportunity at the next level.”

Last season, Gonzalez spent the entire season in the SPHL. He had six points (two goals, four assists) in 39 games with Birmingham. In 2020-21, when the schedule was shortened due to concerns regarding the coronavirus, Gonzalez played 18 games in the FPHL with Elmira (12 games) and Carolina (six).

“Kyle is a mobile defenseman who processes the game at a high level and is extremely effective with and without the puck,” McCreary said. “His willingness to compete and his commitment to excellence makes him an important addition on the ice and in our dressing room.”

The California native played four seasons at Northland College before making his pro debut with Danville of the FPHL at the end of the 2018-19 season. He played five games and had one assist with Danville.