Game Recap: Hat Tricks Honor Legends, Come Up Short Against Black Bears, 5-2

DANBURY — The Binghamton Black Bears scored three unanswered goals in the first period and defeated the Hat Tricks, 5-2, in front of a crowd of 1,927 on Alumni Night at the Danbury Ice Arena.

Austin Thompson scored Binghamton’s first goal of the game from the right wing on an outlet pass at 3:24 of the first, giving the Black Bears a 1-0 lead. Binghamton doubled its lead at 12:47 as Kyle Stephan netted a loose puck in front.

Thompson scored two goals in back-to-back games for the second time this season.

Zac Sirota tapped home his rebound over Conor McCollum’s extended glove above the crease to make it 3-0 Black Bears with 7:12 to go in the first.

Connor Woolley scored on the power play at 2:17 of the middle frame to get the Hat Tricks on the board. The forward Pawling, N.Y., has scored seven goals in his last nine games.

But Binghamton’s Nicholas Swain pushed the Black Bears back ahead by three, 4-1, wristing a shot into the top-left corner. Swain buried his fourth goal in his first six FPHL outings.

With 1:28 left in the middle frame, Binghamton goalie Nolan Egbert was flagged for tripping Aleksandr Vasilyev on his shot attempt in the crease. But Danbury’s power play didn’t convert at five-on-three.

The Hat Tricks got a little bit of a spark nearly eight minutes into the third.

Vasilyev stickhandled up the left wing and zipped one top shelf at 4:32, slicing Binghamton’s lead to 4-2. The 35-year-old forward lengthened his point streak (5-2-7) to five games and now has a three-game goal streak for the first time this season.

While the Hat Tricks tried for sustained offensive-zone trips in the second, their power play missed out on converting on tripping and slashing minors on Dan Wieber and Emerson Emery late in the frame. The power play was 1-for-4, all the while.

Danbury pulled Conor McCollum with 1:31 remaining but Binghamton won two of three defensive-zone faceoffs andThompson scored the empty-netter with 44 seconds to play.

McCollum made 41 saves but dropped to 20-13-6.

Up next, Danbury plays at Mississippi on Friday for the start of a two-game set as it kicks off a three-game road trip. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET.

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).