Passing the Torch: Ruiz and Gonzalez Prepare to Lead Hat Tricks Back to the Top

A good communicator. The ability to build relationships with players. Even-keeled enough to handle coaching responsibilities. 

Those are the main leadership qualities general manager Matt Voity looked for when trying to fill the head coaching void left by former head man Billy McCreary, who departed for the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings as an assistant coach this August.

The Danbury Hat Tricks have a unique situation this season. Instead of having one man lead the group, they have two. 

Voity and the ownership group selected captain and forward Jonny Ruiz and assistant captain defenseman Kyle Gonzalez as co-head coaches. 

As veterans and big-name players for the Hat Tricks, Ruiz and Gonzalez seemed like a no-brainer decision. Both players have been with the organization since its inception in 2019, both have letters on their jerseys, and both were Commissioner’s Cup Champions with the Hat Tricks in 2022-23.

Last season, Ruiz was the focal point of the Hat Tricks’ offense notching 38 goals and 36 assists, both team highs, while leading the league in power play (12) and shorthanded goals (5). The New Jersey native is Danbury’s all-time leader in games played, 203, and points, 270.

“I think one of the biggest attributes Jonny has is consistency, especially in his numbers.” Gonzalez said. “On top of the goals, you can see good leadership. You notice it when he’s on the ice at all times.”

On the other hand, Gonzalez is known to be a reliable defenseman. But last year, his season was cut short due to a back injury, missing 38 games. For him, however, this presented the opportunity to take on a new challenge: serve as a player-coach behind the bench.

“He had a little more of a detached view, if you will,” Voity said. “I think he learned a lot from being in that position. I think it helps the players, with having a guy that has been in their position. Being on the bench and being out, prepared him to take on that role this year and understanding that there's a certain way to accept the decisions you need to make as a coach.”

Even with the unfortunate injury, he showed leadership and impacted his teammates tremendously.

“He was just so professional,” Ruiz said. “As the leader he is and as the person he is, he’s gonna contribute in any way he can … He really stepped up in a big way.”

Ruiz also said that Gonzalez was the main backbone behind their successes last season, especially with the younger players, and proved how integral of a leader he was to the organization.  

In addition to being named co-head coaches of the Hat Tricks, Ruiz and Gonzalez both had eventful summers. Ruiz and his girlfriend Taylor welcomed another baby to their family in February. He says a majority of his offseason was spent taking care of their child and getting fit for the upcoming season.

Family attention aside, Ruiz also plays for the U.S. National Ball Hockey team in the offseason and every two years there’s a world championship. This year, that took place in Switzerland and Ruiz and his teammates walked away with a bronze medal. 

Gonzalez and his wife Megan meanwhile, got married in June and after their honeymoon, he began working at Hilton in Danbury as a guest services associate. 

Both Taylor and Megan have revamped the Danbury Hat Tricks Booster Club, a group focused on generating money and resources which go directly to the players.

With these new titles and pivotal moments over the summer, Ruiz and Gonzalez are honored to have these positions and are excited to get back for another season at the Danbury Ice Arena, especially after falling short last year in the Empire Division Semifinals.

“The new role means the world to me, Jonny, and Voity,” Gonzalez said. “That someone of the stature of coach Billy, and the rest of the Hat Tricks organization, could trust us for taking over a job like this. Handing the torch off to us is such a compliment in itself. It’s an honor for all of us to continue what [Billy McCreary] built for this program.”

McCreary, who led the Hat Tricks to their first Commissioner’s Cup in 2022-23 and remains the franchise win leader (106), shares optimism Ruiz and Gonzalez can carry the winning product.

“Jonny and Gonzo have first hand experience on how we go about our business and also why we go about our business differently than most.” McCreary said. The love they have fostered over the years has created an environment that emphasizes, family, a high compete level and developing a championship mentality.

Ruiz believes the team, which brought back 15 returners on Opening Night, is equipped to win another Cup in April 2025.

“We want to come back with vengeance,” Ruiz said. “We want to get to that mountaintop and show that Danbury hockey is a true contender at this level, and is willing to do whatever it takes to bring back a championship.”

Ruiz and Gonzalez say fans should expect to see a physical and well-structured team this season. Hat Tricks fans can catch Danbury back on the ice Friday, Oct. 25 when it hosts the reigning Commissioner’s Cup champion Binghamton Black Bears at 7:30 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.