Hat Tricks sweep three-game set with Elmira

The Danbury Hat Tricks extended their winning streak to five games with a key three-game sweep of the Elmira Enforcers. The nine-point gain has thrust the Hat Tricks into third place in the Eastern Division, with top-seeded Watertown well within reach.

Wednesday night was a back-and-forth nailbiter, with Nicola Levesque tallying the go-ahead goal with 1:11 remaining in the second period to put the Hat Tricks on top 3-2. Jonny Ruiz would provide some cushioning with less than five minutes to go in regulation, with Levesque adding an empty-netter to secure the 5-2 win.

Elmira took a 2-1 lead 32 seconds into the third period on Friday night, with Brandon Tucker netting a powerplay goal. Cory Anderson would even things up midway through the frame, with both teams trading chances as time elapsed. With 2:07 remaining in regulation time, Levesque threw a check in the corner of the offensive zone, winning the puck away from an Elmira defender. He flung a backhander towards the net, which was redirected by Enforcer Christian Whitcomb in front. Ruiz would pounce on the loose puck, burying it past Troy Passingham to give the Hat Tricks a 3-2 lead.

Dillon Kelley would make 40 stops in the victory.

Saturday night began a bit more turbulently, with the Enforcers taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first period. The Hat Tricks would pot five unanswered goals in the final two periods of play, however, to ensure the sweep of Elmira. Tom McGuckin would earn the win in net.

Among those goal-scorers was Steve Brown, netting his first goal of the season and first goal since January 21, 2017 after taking some time off from professional hockey.

The Hat Tricks return home Friday night looking to extend their hot streak against the Delaware Thunder (2-10-0-0). Tickets can be purchased here.