Hat Tricks Lose Five Players in 2024-25 Expansion Draft

DANBURY — The Danbury Hat Tricks lost five (5) unprotected players to the FPHL’s expansion draft on Thursday, June 27. The three (3) new franchises — Athens, GA, Danville, IL, & Monroe LA — were issued 11 picks each while teams that failed to make the playoffs in 2023-24 — Baton Rouge, LA, Hudson Valley, NY (Elmira), & Wytheville, VA  — were given two (2) selections each.

Prior to the draft, the Hat Tricks protected 12 players (five forwards, five defensemen, and two goaltenders): 

Forwards (5): Corey Cunningham, Chase Harwell, Daniel McKitrick, Jacob Ratcliffe, Jonny Ruiz; Defensemen (5): Xavier Abdella, Kyle Gonzalez, Josh Labelle, Jarod Yau, Zachary Pamaylaon; Goaltenders (2): Talor Joseph, Conor McCollum

The following unprotected players were selected in the expansion draft:

• Charlie Bedard (D) — Dashers Hockey
• Nick DiNicola (F) — Athens Rock Lobsters
• Kolby Johnson (F) — Athens Rock Lobsters
• Riley Robertson (D) — Athens Rock Lobsters
• Brandon Stojcevski (F) — Monroe Moccasins

Teams that acquired new players through the draft can either sign, trade or release their selections ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The Hat Tricks are a Single-A professional hockey team based in Danbury, Connecticut. Established in 2019, the 2022-23 Commissioner’s Cup Champions compete in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2024-25 season. If you are interested, email herm@danburyhattricks.com.

To stay up to date on all things Danbury Hat Tricks hockey, go to danburyhattricks.com and follow the team on social media.