Game Recap: Hat Tricks Clinch Two-Seed in Empire, Glide to 5-1 Win Over Mississippi

Biloxi, Miss. — The Danbury Hat Tricks scored three unanswered goals in the second period and defeated the Mississippi Sea Wolves, 5-1, on Saturday at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. With the win and a Port Huron Prowlers loss, the Hat Tricks have clinched the 2nd spot in the Empire Division.

In a scoreless game in the second period, co-head coach and captain Jonny Ruiz sniped home the go-ahead goal from the right circle on a centering pass from the goal line 22 seconds in. The 31-year-old forward has scored goals in back-to-back games and has netted five in his last five outings.

Aleksandr Vasilyev scored off an offensive-zone faceoff, potting a free puck at the bottom of the left circle to move Danbury ahead, 2-0, at 7:39. The 35-year-old forward now has a seven-game point streak (6-9-15) and has scored goals (4) in four of the last five contests.

With nearly 9 ½ minutes elapsed in the second, Cory Anderson sniped home a centering pass from Josh Newberg in the slot to extend Danbury’s lead to three.

Jacob Ratcliffe scored an empty-net goal with 1:17 left in the third, his second goal in as many contests. Anderson buried the fifth goal of the game for the Hat Tricks in the top left corner, his second goal of the game, 28 seconds before the buzzer. The forward of Bakersfield, Calif., tied his season-high in goals, tallying two for the first time since Feb. 2 at HC Venom (5-4W).

The first period was filled with standout goaltending as Frankie McClendon and Mississippi goalie Richie Parent,combined for 25 saves in the frame.

Just more than three minutes into the first, Mississippi’s Carter Eha struck Vadim Frolov’s head, causing Frolov to leave the game for medical care. Eha was ejected on the check and Frolov did not return.

Danbury’s penalty kill held clear in seven opportunities (7-for-8), despite allowing a power play goal to Don Carter Jr. at 11:38 that sliced its advantage to 3-1.

McClendon stopped 41 shots in 42 faced, allowing just one goal for the first time since Feb. 10, 2024, at Blue Ridge (3-1W) as a Carolina Thunderbirds goalie. The ninth-year netminder improved to 10-1-1 and is one win shy of tying his single-season-high in wins (11) from his 2022-23 campaign in Danbury.

Up next, the Hat Tricks finish their three-game road trip at Binghamton on Friday. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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.

The 2025 Commissioner's Cup Playoffs start next month, and our playoff ticket package is on sale now! Lock in your seats for the full playoff run and save. A comprehensive postseason package is just $72—only $12 per ticket, a 35% discount. If any games are not played, you will receive a refund or a credit for the 2025-26 season. To purchase a playoff package, email herm@danburyhattricks.com or call 973-713-7547.

To stay up to date on all things Danbury Hat Tricks hockey, go to danburyhattricks.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok (@DanburyHatTricks).