Game Recap: Hat Tricks Secure Point, Fall in Shootout to Watertown

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — The Hat Tricks came from behind in the third but took a 5-4 shootout loss against the Watertown Wolves at Watertown Municipal Arena on Friday.

Davide Gaeta and Tate Leeson each scored in the shootout for the Wolves and Danbury was unsuccessful twice against Anton Borodkin. The Hat Tricks dropped their fourth road game after regulation to the Wolves this season and fell to 0-10-1-1 when trailing after the second period.

Dylan Hullaby tied the game at four on a rebound with 6:38 left in regulation. The 6-foot-5 winger has goals in back-to-back games and three through his first three outings with Danbury.

The Hat Tricks trailed 3-0 after the first but started their comeback in the middle frame. Billy Berry and Hullaby scored 1:23 apart less than six minutes into the second period, slicing Watertown’s lead to 3-2. Berry buried his second goal in three games and Hullaby brought Danbury to within one on a cross-slot pass from Gleb Bandurkin.

Scoring on the power play was an issue for Danbury as it finished 0-for-7. Its penalty kill held clear five times, however.

The Wolves did not take long to strike first as Steven Klinck scored in the crease at 2:36 of a fast-paced first period. Marc Bottero tacked on another on a cross-ice pass from Tate Leeson to make it 2-0.

Just less than six minutes later, Trevor Lord’s wrist shot in the slot extended Watertown’s lead to three.

Cory Anderson also scored for the Hat Tricks, tipping in a loose puck in the slot, to bring the Hat Tricks to a 4-3 deficit at 8:14 of the second. The Bakersfield, Calif., native has two goals over his past three contests.

Conor McCollum made 34 saves for Danbury and is 10-9-4 with the loss.

Up next, the Hat Tricks returns home to host Watertown on Saturday for the second game of its home-and-home. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Danbury Ice Arena.

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.

Danbury Hat Tricks single-game tickets and full/partial season membership plans 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).