RING OF HONOR SPOTLIGHT: MATT CARANCI

DANBURY, CT – On Saturday night, the Danbury Hat Tricks will be hosting their second annual Danbury Hockey Alumni Night, inducting five members into the inaugural class of the Danbury Hockey Ring of Honor.

Matt Caranci will be one of the inductees as an alum of the Whalers and Titans, spending six seasons playing in Danbury.

Caranci has the distinction of playing the most professional games (198) in the Danbury Ice Arena, recording 157 points in those games. Caranci was on four teams that reached the league finals, including three-straight from the 2012-14 seasons. He was a key part of the 2012-13 Danbury Whalers Championship team.

“Playing in that place, it rapidly became my home away from home,” Caranci said. “It was just a special environment because the fans were so passionate.”

Caranci looks back on his relationship with Danbury’s hockey fans with extreme gratitude, recalling the unique ability to connect personally with fans in the Hat City.

“I became friends with the fans, too,” Caranci added. “It was great because of the intimate setting there. You really get to interact with the fans and are really appreciative of their support.”

Caranci was not expecting to get the call that he’d be inducted, but is grateful for the honor. As a self-described “jack-of-all trades, master of none,” Caranci played a crucial role in each Danbury team he was a part of.

Coaches trusted Caranci to take faceoffs, drop the gloves or fill in on defense when needed. Caranci took pride in his versatility and was always ready to help the team in any way he could.

Now, he will be honored as a member of the Danbury Hockey Ring of Honor. Saturday’s ceremony will take place during the first intermission of the Hat Tricks game against the Columbus River Dragons.

The game starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are available here.