Game Recap: Hat Tricks Drop Season Opener to Motor City, 4-2

DANBURY — The Danbury Hat Tricks began the Jonny Ruiz-Kyle Gonzalez co-head coaching era with a 4-2 loss to the Motor City Rockers Friday night at the Danbury Ice Arena. 

Following their Empire Division Semifinals playoff loss to the Rockers last season, the Hat Tricks welcomed Motor City in for the 2024-25 season opener. Despite the Hat Tricks peppering Motor City goaltender Ricardo Gonzalez with 51 shots, they could not recover from three unanswered Motor City goals in the second period.

Forward Eli Rivers started the scoring for Motor City at 10:02 of the first period. The Hat Tricks answered at 17:34 with winger Aleksandr Gamzatov's first goal as a Hat Trick in his debut. The Russian-born forward was acquired from Watertown on Oct. 14 and scored 12 goals last season.

The second period started 1-1, but the Rockers rattled off three straight scores, defenseman Josh Colten 31 seconds into the frame, and back-to-back goals, one of which was a short-handed goal, from forward Marian Pazitka in his Rocker's debut at 8:43 and 10:52. Danbury chipped into the rockers lead at 16:00 with a Corey Cunningham power play goal to cut the deficit to two.

The Hat Tricks applied some pressure in the third period, but could not solve Gonzalez. It did not help Danbury's comeback efforts that captain, co-head coach, and biggest offensive performer Jonny Ruiz left the game in the second period and did not return.

Up next, the Hat Tricks and Rockers finish off their two-game weekend set on Saturday night in Danbury. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.

Single-game tickets for the entire home slate are on sale! In addition, full and partial season memberships are still available for purchase. If you are interested, email herm@danburyhattricks.com or go to Tixr.

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).

ABOUT DANBURY HAT TRICKS:

The Danbury Hat Tricks are a professional hockey team based in Danbury, Connecticut, competing in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). Since their founding in 2019, the Hat Tricks have brought thrilling, hard-hitting hockey to the Danbury Ice Arena, earning a reputation for their fierce competitive spirit and strong community presence. The team is dedicated to providing an exciting game-day experience for fans of all ages, with a focus on building long-lasting connections within the local community.

Proudly representing Danbury, the Hat Tricks are committed to excellence both on and off the ice. In addition to developing top-tier hockey talent, the team engages in numerous community outreach programs, fostering relationships with local schools, businesses, and charities. The Hat Tricks aim to continue growing the sport of hockey in the area and provide entertainment that brings the community together.

Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or new to the sport, the Danbury Hat Tricks promise an unforgettable experience every time they take the ice.