John serves as Head Coach of the Danbury Hat Tricks, entering his first season behind the bench in 2025–26. He brings more than a decade of coaching experience across North America and Europe, where he has led programs at the junior, collegiate, and professional levels. His career includes stops in the NCAA, SPHL, ECHL, and multiple European leagues, giving him a diverse perspective on player development and team culture. Known for instilling accountability, competitiveness, and a team-first mindset, John has earned a reputation for building hardworking, physical squads that embody the values of their communities.

QUICK FACTS:

• Date Joined: September 2025
• Education: University of Alabama (B.A., ACHA goaltender)
• Hometown: Clearwater, Florida

Bierchen’s coaching career began in the United States with roles at SUNY-Canton (NCAA Division III) and the Columbus Cottonmouths (SPHL) before becoming head coach at his alma mater, the University of Alabama. In just the program’s second season at the ACHA Division I level, he guided the Crimson Tide to a 19-14-2 record.

He advanced to the professional ranks as an assistant with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel and later took over the Fayetteville Marksmen (SPHL) in 2018. His career then expanded overseas, where he served as head coach of the Beaufort Knights in Belgium and worked with Luxembourg’s national team, including at World Championship competition. From there, he led Laser HT in Finland’s Suomi-sarja before moving into Finland’s junior system with Kärpät U18 Akatemia.

Most recently, Bierchen coached in Austria with EA Oberösterreich’s U20 program and the Nordic Hockey Academy U20 team. His international stops have given him unique perspective and versatility, qualities he now brings to Danbury.

Before coaching, Bierchen played goaltender at Alabama and appeared professionally in the SPHL with the Columbus Cottonmouths.

AJ serves as General Manager for the Danbury Hat Tricks, returning for his second season with the organization and first in his current role. After assuming a Senior Advisor to the GM role during the 2024–25 season, he now oversees all aspects of hockey operations and works closely with ownership and the coaching staff to build a competitive, hard-nosed roster that reflects the spirit of Danbury.

QUICK FACTS:

• Date Joined: July 2024
• Education: B.A. in Business (University of New Haven)
• Hometown: New Fairfield, Connecticut
• Favorite Team(s): Hartford Whalers

Galante’s hockey journey began in 2004 when he was appointed President and General Manager of the Danbury Trashers at just 17 years old. Backed by his father, Jimmy Galante, he gained national recognition for building a team known for its toughness, fan-first culture, and unforgettable impact on the minor league hockey world. The Trashers’ story was later featured in the hit Netflix documentary Untold: Crime & Penalties.

After his time in the UHL, Galante pivoted to professional boxing, where he spent over 15 years advising fighters and promoting events across the country. In 2015, he opened Champs Boxing Club in Danbury, a premier training facility for both amateur and pro athletes.

In addition to his work in hockey and boxing, he co-hosts the Talkin’ Trash Podcast with former Hat Tricks enforcer Daniel Amesbury. He’s also a proud husband and father and remains deeply invested in building winning teams that embody Danbury’s grit and community pride.

MJ serves as an Assistant Coach for the Danbury Hat Tricks, entering his first season with the organization. In his role, he assists the Head Coach with daily operations, strategy development, team preparation, and player scouting.

QUICK FACTS:

• Date Joined: June 2025
• Education: B.S. in Sports Nutrition and Fitness Management (Morrisville State College)
• Hometown: Binghamton, New York
• Favorite Team: New York Rangers

JP serves as Head Equipment Manager for the Danbury Hat Tricks, entering his third season with the organization. His journey with the team began in February 2023 while completing a senior project at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, Connecticut, where he was a co-captain of the football team. Since then, he has contributed in a variety of roles, including statistician, mascot, and assistant equipment manager under the mentorship of veteran Bob Dalessio. He was proud to be part of the Hat Tricks’ 2023 Commissioner’s Cup championship team.

QUICK FACTS:

• Date Joined: February 2023
• Education: Business Management (Connecticut State Community College – Danbury)
• Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut
• Favorite Team(s): New York Giants, New York Knicks, New York Mets, New York Rangers

While balancing his studies in business management, John Paul brings his team dedication, competitive spirit, and leadership skills to the Hat Tricks equipment staff. He views the role as an opportunity to combine his love for sports with his passion for doing the little things right to support the players and organization every day.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to step into this role. This team feels like home, and I’m proud to be part of it in a bigger way. I’ve always believed in doing the little things right. Now I get to do that every day for a group I truly care about.”

John serves as Assistant Coach for the Danbury Hat Tricks, bringing steadfast leadership, institutional knowledge, and a deep bond with both the team and the broader Danbury hockey community.

Since the organization’s inaugural FPHL season in 2019, Krupinsky has been a behind-the-scenes fixture, an assistant coach, manager of player relations, and cornerstone in alumni outreach. His steady hand and caring approach have helped shape team culture, strengthen ties with former players, and maintain the spirit of Danbury hockey.

A sergeant with the Danbury Police Department, Krupinsky’s unwavering dedication earned him the prestigious FPHL Founders Award twice, first in 2020, and again in 2025, an honor recognizing unparalleled service and commitment to the league.

In March 2025, he was inducted into the Danbury Ring of Honor, becoming the latest local hockey legend to be recognized during Alumni Night. His contributions transcend wins and losses, they’re woven into the fabric of the city’s sporting DNA.

His hockey roots run deep: Krupinsky's tenure includes service behind the bench for local franchises dating back to the Danbury Mad Hatters (EPHL, 2008–09), the Whalers (FHL, 2010–15), and the Titans (FHL, 2015–17). He also supported the Trashers’ 2004–06 run behind the scenes, lending his insight to every chapter of Danbury’s minor league history.

In his advisory role, Krupinsky provides essential perspective in hockey operations, connecting ownership, staff, alumni, and players with a voice rooted in history, commitment, and genuine community pride.

Eric serves as a regional scout for the Danbury Hat Tricks, focusing on player evaluation in the South and Southwest. A longtime, versatile athlete, Presbrey has made contributions in both hockey and lacrosse throughout his career, impacting the sports community both on and off the ice and field.

His hockey journey began in southeastern Massachusetts, where he competed in elite travel programs before moving on to Deerfield Academy, ultimately earning recruitment as a Division I college hockey player. In addition to his hockey career, Presbrey excelled in lacrosse, competing at Deerfield and at the Division I level for the University of New Hampshire before playing professionally for the Boston Blazers.

Beyond his playing days, Presbrey remained deeply involved in hockey as president of a youth hockey board in Connecticut, where he focused on developing young talent and promoting the sport at the grassroots level. A USA Hockey Level 4 coach, he brings a high standard of coaching excellence and a deep understanding of player skill development.

Presbrey’s wide-ranging experience as a player, coach, and administrator gives him a unique perspective on identifying talent and understanding what it takes to be a competitive athlete.

Doug serves as a Pacific region scout for the Danbury Hat Tricks, focusing on player recruitment in one of hockey’s fastest-growing talent markets. A Connecticut native, Jones has been a long-time influence in Southern California hockey, playing a pivotal role in the formative development of numerous NHL draft picks, as well as NCAA Division I, USHL, NAHL, OHL, WHL, and professional-level players.

From 1993-2004, Jones worked with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, handling game-day coaches’ stats — including during the team’s first Stanley Cup Final appearance — and serving as a head youth camp instructor from 1993-1997. In 2013, he was behind the bench with the Danbury Whalers during their first FHL championship season. He also spent a decade as Director of Hockey Development at the Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Center in Southern California from 1997-2007.

Jones recently retired after 38 years as a USA Hockey referee and currently serves as director of hockey operations for Kapolei Inline Hockey Arenas on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. His decades of experience as a coach, instructor, and official give him a comprehensive perspective on identifying and cultivating hockey talent.

Bill serves as Senior Advisor for the Danbury Hat Tricks, bringing decades of NHL-level experience and organizational insight to the hockey operations department. With a storied career that spans playing, coaching, and front-office leadership, McCreary offers invaluable guidance to the team’s leadership and development strategy.

A native of Sundridge, Ontario, McCreary began his professional playing career in 1953 and competed in the NHL as a left winger for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, and St. Louis Blues until 1971. Transitioning directly into coaching, he took the helm of the Vancouver Canucks in the first half of the 1973–74 season before being appointed general manager of the California Golden Seals in 1974. He briefly served as head coach during his tenure and stayed on as GM when the team relocated and became the Cleveland Barons later in the decade.

McCreary’s understanding of player development, team building, and organizational leadership is grounded in his extensive NHL career and front-office experience. In his current advisory role, he collaborates closely with ownership, the general manager, and the coaching staff to shape a roster that embodies the Hat Tricks’ competitive, community-centered identity.

Herm serves as the President and Managing Partner of the Danbury Hat Tricks, bringing over 35 years of experience in sports marketing and team ownership to the organization. His career began in 1989 with the NHL's Hartford Whalers, followed by 17 years in Minor League Baseball with teams such as the New Jersey Cardinals, Beloit Brewers, New Britain Red Sox, and Sussex Skyhawks.

In 2010, Sorcher was part of the ownership group that launched the Danbury Whalers Hockey Club, where he served as CEO/Managing Partner. Under his leadership, the Whalers captured the Federal Hockey League Championship in the 2012–13 season, made the Finals three consecutive years, and led the league in attendance all five seasons.

Sorcher also spent two years as the Vice President of Partnerships for Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League. In March 2019, he became a part-owner of the Danbury Ice Arena and the Hat Trick. 

A 1991 graduate of the University of Hartford, Sorcher hails from Freehold, New Jersey. He and his fiancée, Heather, reside in Brookfield with their three children: Jillian, Sami, and Max.

Chris serves as a Partner of the Danbury Hat Tricks and brings a wealth of leadership in automotive management and entrepreneurial operations to the organization. As managing partner of Orchard Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Hudson, N.Y., he leads the dealership that emerged from the acquisition and rebranding of Village Dodge under Maverick Motor Group, aligning with his deep roots in the automotive industry.

Buonanno literally grew up in the car business, working his way up from washing cars at his family’s Mercedes-Benz dealership in Westchester County to becoming general manager and eventually owner. Prior to Orchard CDJR, he served as President and Managing Partner of Estate Motors Mercedes-Benz in Westchester County. From 1996 to 2015, he led Charisma Holding Corp. and Charisma Associates LLC, managing both commercial and residential real estate portfolios.

Under his leadership, the partnership between Orchard CDJR and the Hat Tricks has flourished since 2019, regularly offering exclusive benefits to fans such as VIP vehicle pricing, service and parts discounts, and complimentary delivery. Additionally, Buonanno is notably one of the partners behind the Danbury Arena and the Hat Tricks organization, reinforcing both his local sports investment and business presence.

A 1993 graduate of the University of Hartford, Buonanno resides in Armonk, New York, with his wife of more than two decades and their two sons

Doug serves as the Broadcaster and Director of Communications for the Danbury Hat Tricks, entering his third season with the organization. In addition to acting as the “Voice of the Hat Tricks,” he oversees all media and public relations responsibilities, manages and creates content for the team’s social media platforms and website, contributes as a liaison between players, coaches, and the FPHL, and contributes to business development through sponsorships, group sales, and ticket sales.

In April 2025, he was honored as the FPHL Broadcaster of the Year and received a Hat Tricks Award for his outstanding contributions to the organization.

QUICK FACTS

• Date Joined: July 2023
• Education: B.S. in Broadcast & Digital Journalism, Minor in Sport Management – S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University
• Hometown: Dix Hills, New York
• Favorite Teams: New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers, Syracuse University Athletics
• Awards/Honors: FPHL Broadcaster of the Year (2024-25), Hat Tricks Award (2024-25)

Steve serves as the Director of Community Relations for the Danbury Hat Tricks entering his second season with the team. He leads the organization’s outreach and engagement efforts across Greater Danbury. With more than 30 years of experience in education and administration, Steve brings leadership, creativity, and heart to his mission of connecting the team with the community.

QUICK FACTS:

• Date Joined: August 2022
• Education: M.A. in Administration, M.A. in Education, B.A. in English Literature
• Hometown: Yonkers, NY
• Favorite Sports Teams: New York Jets, New York Rangers, Army West Point Athletics

Steve’s work includes coordinating school programs and assemblies, organizing player appearances, managing group outings, and leading community-based fundraising initiatives. He is passionate about creating unforgettable fan experiences both inside and outside the Danbury Ice Arena.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Steve has visited stadiums and arenas across the country, always chasing the next great game-day moment. He and his wife Lori are proud parents of two sons, Bryan and Matthew.

Max serves as Merchandise Manager and is a member of the Business Development Sales Team for the Danbury Hat Tricks. Now in his third year with the organization, he drives brand growth through strategic merchandising, fan-focused initiatives, and sales outreach. Combining creativity with business insight, Max develops products that reflect the team’s identity and strengthen its connection to the community. Known for his collaborative approach and attention to detail, he plays a key role in shaping the fan experience both inside and outside the arena.

QUICK FACTS:

• Date Joined: November 2022 
• Hometown: Brookfield, CT
• Favorite Team(s): New York Mets

Before joining the Hat Tricks, Max honed his skills in brand development and sales, building a reputation for delivering fan experiences that leave a lasting impression. His passion for sports and community drives his work, whether he’s designing new merchandise, engaging with fans, or working with partners to expand the team’s reach.

Away from the rink, Max enjoys watching UFC, playing sports, and being part of a team that brings people together through the game of hockey.

Lexi serves as Business Development and Game Operations for the Danbury Hat Tricks, helping drive organizational growth through sponsorships, ticketing initiatives, and community-focused partnerships. In addition to business outreach, she oversees all aspects of game day operations, ensuring a smooth, engaging, and professional experience for fans, players, and partners. Burkey-Yau also contributes to the team’s fan engagement efforts, working to make each event memorable and reflective of the Hat Tricks’ commitment to their community.

QUICK FACTS:

• Date Joined: October 2023 / August 2025

• Education: B.A. in Communication, Minor in Sports Media (Western Connecticut State University)

• Hometown: Bethel, Connecticut

• Favorite Teams: New York Yankees, New England Patriots, Vancouver Canucks

Burkey-Yau joined the Hat Tricks in October 2023 during her junior year at Western Connecticut State University, producing social media content, writing post-game recap articles, and conducting intermission and post-game interviews with players and coaches.

While at WestConn, she was part of the WXCI Sports Committee, serving as a reporter covering WCSU NCAA DIII football and co-hosting a weekly show on 91.7 FM. She also traveled to Super Bowl LIX to cover Media Week.

In addition to her work with the Hat Tricks, Burkey-Yau spent a summer with the Danbury Westerners of the NECBL, serving as an on-field emcee and backup public address announcer.

Patrick serves as Business Development and Game Operations for the Danbury Hat Tricks, helping drive organizational growth through sponsorships, ticketing initiatives, and community-focused partnerships. In addition to business outreach, he oversees all aspects of game day operations, ensuring a smooth, engaging, and professional experience for fans, players, and partners. Clayton also contributes to the team’s fan engagement efforts, working to make each event memorable and reflective of the Hat Tricks’ commitment to their community.

QUICK FACTS:

• Date Joined: June 2025
• Education: B.S. in Program/Event Management, Minor in Business Administration – University of New Hampshire
• Hometown: Bethel, Connecticut
• Favorite Sports Teams: University of New Haven Hockey, Philadelphia Eagles

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