RING OF HONOR SPOTLIGHT: JIM GALANTE

Jim Galante is the reason that professional hockey came to, and remains in Danbury. In 2004, Galante purchased the franchising rights for a United Hockey League team in Danbury, naming them the Danbury Trashers.

The Founding Father of Danbury hockey gave his son, AJ Galante, the reigns as President and General Manager of the Trashers.

The Trashers went on to be one of the best teams in the UHL, but their success was not limited to the ice. Thanks to Jim and the Trashers, Danbury’s passion for hockey grew exponentially.

‘I am very humbled and honored to be inducted into the Ring of Honor,” said Galante. “All of this would not be possible without the support from our great fans!”

“Thank you again to the Diamond brothers for all their support and generosity,” Galante added.

Under Galante, the Trashers developed a brand of tough-nosed hockey and made the Danbury Arena one of the most intimidating atmospheres in all of hockey for visiting teams. Section 102 became known as the premier fan section in all of hockey and gave the Trashers a one-of-a-kind home-ice advantage at the Danbury Ice Arena.

Galante funded renovations to make Danbury Ice Arena what it is today, expanding it from a 750-seat arena to its current capacity of 3,000. The transformation allowed the Trashers to play in the building, and ignited tremendous growth in youth hockey and loyal fans in the building as well.

“You can’t put that into words how important the Galante family is to hockey there,” said fellow inductee Nick Niedert. “Even to be mentioned in the same category is extraordinary. [The Galantes] are on a level of their own.”

“What they did for that organization and all the organizations that followed the Trashers, if it wasn’t for them, even youth hockey in the Danbury area would not be what it is,” Niedert added. “They did an incredible job for the state of hockey in Danbury, Connecticut, and it’s an incredible honor to be mentioned with that family.”

Jim Galante will be inducted into the Danbury Ice Arena Ring of Honor on Saturday night alongside his son, AJ, Matt Caranci, Nick Niedert and Dave MacIsaac.

Tickets are available here.