Game Recap: Hat Tricks Shutout by Bobcats, 6-0

WYTHEVILLE, V.A. — The Danbury Hat Tricks were shut out for the fourth time this season in a 6-0 loss to the Blue Ridge Bobcats on Saturday at Hitachi Energy Arena. Hunter Virostek dealt his third career shutout, and the Hat Tricks were swept in the weekend and season series 2-0.

Virostek made a career-high 44 saves, winning his third straight start. Danbury took its first series sweep since its 4-0 loss to Binghamton at home on Nov. 16. Six different skaters scored for the Bobcats, who posted four goals in the second period.

Andrew Uturo had the go-ahead and game-winning goal for Blue Ridge at 6:24 in the first, scoring off the post to put the Bobcats ahead 1-0. Alex Norwinski doubled the lead with a tip-in 5:35 into the middle frame.

Just more than eight minutes into the second, Nicholas McHugh capitalized in the crease, stretching the Bobcats’ advantage to three. Austin Bellefeuille buried a free puck to lift Blue Ridge ahead by five before Carson Andreoli scored the final goal of the game.

The Hat Tricks outshot the Bobcats 20-12 in the first, but their pressure on Virostek did not result in any goals. The Bobcats outscored the Hat Tricks, 11-3, in the weekend set.

Jacob Ratcliffe did not play for the first time this season and only five defensemen suited up with Zach Pamaylaon as a scratch.

Frankie McClendon stopped 31 shots in his first start since Dec. 27, a 9-6 home win versus Watertown, and fell to 2-1-1.

Up next, the Hat Tricks return home to host Motor City for a two-game series starting on Friday. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.

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).

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.