FPHL 
Staff
Hockey Operations
Nick Niedert
AJ Galante
AJ Galante enters his first season with the Danbury Hat Tricks as the Senior Advisor to the General Manager. Galante is a Danbury hockey legend, best known for his time as president and general manager of the Danbury Trashers, a minor league hockey team in the United Hockey League from 2004 to 2006.
AJ Galante enters his first season with the Danbury Hat Tricks as the Senior Advisor to the General Manager. Galante is a Danbury hockey legend, best known for his time as president and general manager of the Danbury Trashers, a minor league hockey team in the United Hockey League from 2004 to 2006.
Appointed at just 17 by his father, Jimmy Galante, AJ gained attention for his unconventional management style, emphasizing physical play and fan engagement. Under his leadership, the Trashers became known for their toughness and for turning the team into a cultural phenomenon in Danbury. Their story was chronicled in the Netflix documentary Untold: Crime & Penalties, further amplifying the team's legacy.
After his time with the Trashers, AJ transitioned into professional boxing, spending over 15 years advising boxers, securing bouts, strategizing careers, and promoting fighters. In 2015, he founded Champs Boxing Club, a facility that trains both professional and amateur boxers from across the country.
AJ also hosts the Talkin' Trash Podcast alongside former Hat Tricks enforcer "Diamond Hands" Daniel Amesbury. Known for his dynamic personality and business acumen, AJ continues to make an impact in sports management across both hockey and combat sports, while also being a devoted husband and father.
MJ Maerkl
Maerkl serves as an Assistant Coach and Scout for the Danbury Hat Tricks, joining the organization ahead of the 2025–26 season. In his role, Maerkl assists Head Coach Nick Niedert with daily operations, strategy development, and team preparation—all with the shared mission of bringing a championship back to Danbury.
Maerkl serves as an Assistant Coach and Scout for the Danbury Hat Tricks, joining the organization ahead of the 2025–26 season. In his role, Maerkl assists Head Coach Nick Niedert with daily operations, strategy development, and team preparation—all with the shared mission of bringing a championship back to Danbury.
QUICK FACTS
- Department: Hockey Operations, Scouting, Coaching
- Date Joined: June 2025
- Education: B.S. in Sports Nutrition and Fitness Management – Morrisville State College
- Hometown: Binghamton, New York
- Current Residence: Binghamton, New York
- Favorite Team: New York Rangers
- Fun Fact: Was a 5-sport athlete in high school
A graduate of Morrisville State College with a degree in Sports Nutrition and Fitness Management, Maerkl began his pro hockey journey in 2016 with the Danville Dashers. From there, he continued to build his résumé with stops in Binghamton (2021–2022) and Elmira, where he served as a Player Assistant Coach. He played a key role in shaping expansion franchises—first in Elmira with the Riversharks (36 games played as a forward/defenseman while assisting behind the bench), then with Hudson Valley’s HC Venom, where he was elevated to Head Coach, General Manager, and Director of Hockey Operations after the team’s relocation to Poughkeepsie.
During the 2021 and 2022 seasons, while playing for Binghamton, Maerkl also served as a USPHL Assistant and Skills Coach across all levels—Elite, Premier, and NCDC.
Born and raised in Binghamton, New York, Maerkl still calls his hometown home. A proud supporter of the New York Rangers, he enjoys fishing, traveling to summer CAN/AM tournaments with his hockey buddies, and preparing for a major off-ice milestone—the birth of his son in September, a future Hat Trick in the making!
John Paul Cuccia
John Krupinsky
Eric Presbrey
Eric Presbrey is a long time, versatile athlete who has made contributions in both hockey and lacrosse throughout his career, impacting the sports community both on and off the field/ice. He will be working with the Hat Tricks organization evaluating players in the South and Southwest regions.
Eric Presbrey is a long time, versatile athlete who has made contributions in both hockey and lacrosse throughout his career, impacting the sports community both on and off the field/ice. He will be working with the Hat Tricks organization evaluating players in the South and Southwest regions.
Presbrey's hockey career began in southeastern Massachusetts, where he participated in elite travel programs before moving on to Deerfield Academy leading to recruitment as a Division 1 college hockey player. In addition to his achievements in hockey, Presbrey also played lacrosse, competing at Deerfield and the Division 1 level for the University of New Hampshire and later playing professionally for the Boston Blazers.
Beyond his playing career, Presbrey dedication to hockey continued as he served as president of a youth hockey board in CT, focusing on nurturing young talent and promoting the sport at the grassroots level. He's a Level 4 USA Hockey coach, reflecting his commitment to coaching excellence and a deep understanding of player skill and development.
Presbrey's experiences as a player, coach, and administrator provide him with a unique perspective on athletics and what it takes to be a competitive athlete.
Doug Jones
Doug Jones has been a long-time influence in Southern Californian hockey. A native of Connecticut, he was responsible for the formative development of several NHL draft picks, NCAA D1, USHL, NAHL, OHL, WHL and professional level players.
Doug Jones has been a long-time influence in Southern Californian hockey. A native of Connecticut, he was responsible for the formative development of several NHL draft picks, NCAA D1, USHL, NAHL, OHL, WHL and professional level players.
Jones was with the NHL's Anaheim Ducks and worked both game day coaches stats from 1993 -2004 including their first Stanley Cup appearance and as a head youth camp instructor from 1993 - 1997. He also coached with the Danbury Whalers when they won their first FHL championship in 2013. Jones spent 10 years with the Wayne Gretzky Roller Hockey Center as Director of Hockey Development from 1997-2007.
Jones will be recruiting from the Pacific region, currently a hotbed of talent. He recently retired after 38 years as a USA hockey referee. He currently is the director of hockey operations for Kapolei inline hockey Arenas, on the island of Oahu, HI.
Bill McCreary, Sr.
Office
Herm Sorcher
Herm Sorcher is the President of the Danbury Hat Tricks. Sorcher is a 25+ year sports marketing executive and team owner.
Herm Sorcher is the President of the Danbury Hat Tricks. Sorcher is a 25+ year sports marketing executive and team owner.
Sorcher began his career in 1989 with the Hartford Whalers of the National Hockey League. From there, he worked 17-years in Minor League Baseball (New Jersey Cardinals (NY-Penn League), Beloit Brewers (Midwest League), New Britain Red Sox (Eastern League), & Sussex Skyhawks (Can-Am League). In 2010, Sorcher was part of the Ownership group that launched the Danbury Whalers Hockey Club where he served as CEO/Managing Partner. The Danbury Whalers (2010-15) captured the Federal Hockey League Championship in 2012-13, made the Finals 3-straight seasons, 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.
A 1991 graduate of the University of Hartford, Sorcher hails from Freehold, New Jersey. Sorcher and his fiance Heather live in Brookfield with their three children: Jillian, Sami and Max.
Chris Buonanno
Chris Buonanno is a partner of the Danbury Hat Tricks. Buonanno, a results driven automotive industry management executive, is the managing partner of Orchard Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in Hudson, N.Y.
Chris Buonanno is a partner of the Danbury Hat Tricks. Buonanno, a results driven automotive industry management executive, is the managing partner of Orchard Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in Hudson, N.Y.
Prior to his time at Orchard, Buonnano served as the President/Managing Partner of Estate Motors Mercedes Benz dealership in Westchester County, New York. In addition, from 1996-2015, Buonanno was the Managing Partner of Charisma Holding Corp. and Charisma Associates LLC, two real estate companies with a portfolio on both the commercial and residential sides.
Buonanno is a 1993 graduate of the University of Hartford and resides in Armonk, New York. Buonanno has been married for 20+ years and has two sons.
Doug Lattuca
Lattuca enters his third season as the Broadcaster and Director of Communications for the Danbury Hat Tricks. In addition to serving as the “Voice of the Hat Tricks,” Lattuca oversees all media relations, manages and creates content for the team’s social media platforms and website, and contributes to business development through sponsorships, group sales, and ticket sales.
Lattuca enters his third season as the Broadcaster and Director of Communications for the Danbury Hat Tricks. In addition to serving as the “Voice of the Hat Tricks,” Lattuca oversees all media relations, manages and creates content for the team’s social media platforms and website, and contributes to business development through sponsorships, group sales, and ticket sales.
QUICK FACTS
- Department: Communications, Broadcasting, Media Relations, Business Development
- 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 Rangers (NHL), New York Yankees (MLB), Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL), New York Knicks (NBA), Syracuse Orange (NCAA)
- Fun Fact: Worked alongside former Hat Tricks broadcaster Chris Lynch with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod League
Lattuca joined the Hat Tricks in July 2023 after graduating from Syracuse University, where he earned a B.S. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, with a minor in Sport Management. While at Syracuse, Lattuca was the Head of Broadcasting for the ACHA men’s ice hockey team from 2021–2023, acting as the "Voice of the Orange", leading a student media team, overseeing all broadcast content, and assisting in team operations and promotional events. He started with the team as a freshman in 2019, handling public address and color commentary duties.
He also interned with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL), occasionally calling games on ESPN Radio, and contributed to ACC Network broadcasts for Syracuse DI women’s hockey. In addition, he was a member of the sports staff at campus radio stations WAER and WJPZ.
In the summer of 2022, Lattuca served as the play-by-play broadcaster for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he worked alongside former Hat Tricks broadcaster Chris Lynch. He also spent the summer of 2021 calling games in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League.
Originally from Dix Hills, New York, Lattuca is a passionate fan of the New York Rangers, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Syracuse University Athletics.
Steve Mazzola
Mazzola brings over three decades of experience in education to his role as Director of Community Relations for the Danbury Hat Tricks. After 31 years in the field, Steve now focuses on building bridges between the Hat Tricks and the greater Danbury community. His work centers around developing impactful school programs, organizing player appearances and assemblies, coordinating group outings, and overseeing fundraising initiatives. Above all, he’s passionate about creating memorable fan experiences both inside and outside the arena.
Mazzola brings over three decades of experience in education to his role as Director of Community Relations for the Danbury Hat Tricks. After 31 years in the field, Steve now focuses on building bridges between the Hat Tricks and the greater Danbury community. His work centers around developing impactful school programs, organizing player appearances and assemblies, coordinating group outings, and overseeing fundraising initiatives. Above all, he’s passionate about creating memorable fan experiences both inside and outside the arena.
Steve holds a Master’s Degree in Administration, a Master’s in Education, and a Bachelor’s in English Literature. He thrives in roles that combine leadership, creativity, and service—making him a natural fit for community engagement in professional sports.
A die-hard New York Jets and New York Rangers fan, Steve is also deeply devoted to Army West Point athletics and has traveled extensively to visit arenas and stadiums across the country. He and his wife Lori are proud parents to two sons, Bryan and Matthew.
Ryan Gibb
Gibb serves as the Director of Game Operations and Partnerships for the Danbury Hat Tricks, where he leads pre-game setup and post-game breakdown, oversees partnership and ticket sales, and drives in-game revenue initiatives. His role is central to creating a high-quality game day experience and building lasting relationships with sponsors and the community.
Gibb serves as the Director of Game Operations and Partnerships for the Danbury Hat Tricks, where he leads pre-game setup and post-game breakdown, oversees partnership and ticket sales, and drives in-game revenue initiatives. His role is central to creating a high-quality game day experience and building lasting relationships with sponsors and the community.
QUICK FACTS:
- Department: Game Operations, Partnerships, In-Game Promotions, Revenue Generation
- Date Joined: September 2023
- Education: B.S. in Sport Management (2019), M.S. in Sport Management (2023) – Southern Connecticut State University
- Hometown: Port Chester, NY (Raised in Stamford, CT)
- Current Residence: Stamford, Connecticut
- Favorite Teams: New York Mets, Giants, Knicks, Rangers; Notre Dame Football, UConn Basketball
- Fun Fact: Will passionately argue that Connecticut is the pizza capital of America
A two-time graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, Gibb earned his B.S. in Sport Management in 2019 and returned to complete his M.S. in Sport Management in 2023. While pursuing his degrees, he gained valuable experience through several internships in the sports industry. He worked in Stadium Operations with the New York Boulders (2020–2021), served as Director of Game Operations for the Danbury Westerners in 2022, and was an Athletic Graduate Assistant with SCSU Athletics from 2021 to 2023.
Born in Port Chester, New York, and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, Gibb is a proud and passionate fan of several New York teams, as well as Notre Dame football and UConn basketball. Outside the rink, you can find him at the golf course, in the gym, or reminding everyone that Connecticut makes the best pizza in the country.
Patrick Clayton
Clayton serves as the Business Development and Game Operations Manager for the Danbury Hat Tricks, where he helps drive organizational growth through sponsorships, ticketing initiatives, and community-focused partnerships. He also oversees the execution of all in-arena operations on game days, ensuring a smooth, engaging, and professional experience for fans, players, and partners.
Clayton serves as the Business Development and Game Operations Manager for the Danbury Hat Tricks, where he helps drive organizational growth through sponsorships, ticketing initiatives, and community-focused partnerships. He also oversees the execution of all in-arena operations on game days, ensuring a smooth, engaging, and professional experience for fans, players, and partners.
QUICK FACTS:
- Department: Revenue/Business Development, Game Operations
- Date Joined: June 2025
- Education: B.S. in Program/Event Management, Minor in Business Administration – University of New Hampshire
- Hometown: Bethel, Connecticut
- Current Residence: Bethel, Connecticut
- Favorite Sports Teams: UNH Hockey, Philadelphia Eagles
- Fun Fact: Plays the guitar
A graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Program/Event Management and a minor in Business Administration, Clayton brings hands-on experience in athletic operations. While at UNH, he worked in the university’s athletic department, assisting with internal operations and logistics across several sports, including Men’s Hockey, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Track, and Basketball.
Originally from Bethel, Connecticut, Clayton is a passionate supporter of UNH Hockey and a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Outside of the rink, he enjoys golfing, spending time at the beach or lake, and hanging out with friends. A creative at heart, he also enjoys playing guitar in his free time.
Ownership
Jim Diamond
Jim Diamond is the CEO of Diamond Properties, LLC, a real estate company he co-founded with his brother in 1995 that owns and manages in excess of 70 properties totaling over 11,000,000 sq ft. Diamond is also a director of RDI, Inc., an electronics engineering and manufacturing company that he co-founded in 1989.
Jim Diamond is the CEO of Diamond Properties, LLC, a real estate company he co-founded with his brother in 1995 that owns and manages in excess of 70 properties totaling over 11,000,000 sq ft. Diamond is also a director of RDI, Inc., an electronics engineering and manufacturing company that he co-founded in 1989.
In 1998, Diamond co-founded Xanboo Inc., an Internet company that was sold to AT&T in 2010. Diamond graduated with Honors and a B.A. in History from Princeton University.
Diamond has been a Trustee of St. Paul’s School, in Concord, N.H.; Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, N.Y.; Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, N.Y.; and Bedford 2020 in Bedford, N.Y..
Diamond lives in Katonah, N.Y. and is married with two daughters.
Bill Diamond
Bill Diamond is President and Co-Founder of Diamond Properties, LLC, a company that has over 70 properties in seven states. Diamond is also CEO of Diamond Hospitality Group, LLC, a division of Diamond Properties that owns and operates an assortment of family entertainment centers. Diamond is also a Director and co-owner of RDI, Inc.
Bill Diamond is President and Co-Founder of Diamond Properties, LLC, a company that has over 70 properties in seven states. Diamond is also CEO of Diamond Hospitality Group, LLC, a division of Diamond Properties that owns and operates an assortment of family entertainment centers. Diamond is also a Director and co-owner of RDI, Inc.
Previously, Diamond was Co-Founder and President of Xanboo, Inc, a software company providing an end-to-end technology solution allowing users to command and control any type of enabled device or appliance over the Internet. Along with his wife Katie, Diamond was a Co-Founder of ACT of Conn., a 501C3 professional theater in Ridgefield Conn. bringing Broadway caliber theater to Fairfield County.
Diamond graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Amherst College in 1991, is married, and has three children.
Jarrod Moses
Jarrod Moses is the Founder, President, & CEO of the United Entertainment Group (UEG). After quickly rising through the ranks of Grey Advertising as it’s youngest President, Moses founded UEG as a joint venture with Hollywood powerhouse United Talent Agency.
Jarrod Moses is the Founder, President, & CEO of the United Entertainment Group (UEG). After quickly rising through the ranks of Grey Advertising as it’s youngest President, Moses founded UEG as a joint venture with Hollywood powerhouse United Talent Agency.
UEG has developed successful entertainment campaigns for marketers such as Procter & Gamble, Frito-Lay, General Mills, AT&T, Diageo, and Starbucks, while at the same time working closely with the world’s most influential entertainment companies Time Warner, Comcast, MTV Networks, Facebook, and Google, and celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg, Queen Latifah, Pharrell Williams, and Drew Barrymore.
Moses, a 1991 graduate of the University of Hartford, is married with two children and resides in Manhattan, N.Y.
Chris Buonanno
Chris Buonanno is a partner of the Danbury Hat Tricks. Buonanno, a results driven automotive industry management executive, is the managing partner of Orchard Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in Hudson, N.Y.
Chris Buonanno is a partner of the Danbury Hat Tricks. Buonanno, a results driven automotive industry management executive, is the managing partner of Orchard Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in Hudson, N.Y.
Prior to his time at Orchard, Buonnano served as the President/Managing Partner of Estate Motors Mercedes Benz dealership in Westchester County, New York. In addition, from 1996-2015, Buonanno was the Managing Partner of Charisma Holding Corp. and Charisma Associates LLC, two real estate companies with a portfolio on both the commercial and residential sides.
Buonanno is a 1993 graduate of the University of Hartford and resides in Armonk, New York. Buonanno has been married for 20+ years and has two sons.
Herm Sorcher
Herm Sorcher is the President of the Danbury Hat Tricks. Sorcher is a 25+ year sports marketing executive and team owner.
Herm Sorcher is the President of the Danbury Hat Tricks. Sorcher is a 25+ year sports marketing executive and team owner.
Sorcher began his career in 1989 with the Hartford Whalers of the National Hockey League. From there, he worked 17-years in Minor League Baseball (New Jersey Cardinals (NY-Penn League), Beloit Brewers (Midwest League), New Britain Red Sox (Eastern League), & Sussex Skyhawks (Can-Am League). In 2010, Sorcher was part of the Ownership group that launched the Danbury Whalers Hockey Club where he served as CEO/Managing Partner. The Danbury Whalers (2010-15) captured the Federal Hockey League Championship in 2012-13, made the Finals 3-straight seasons, 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.
A 1991 graduate of the University of Hartford, Sorcher hails from Freehold, New Jersey. Sorcher and his fiance Heather live in Brookfield with their three children: Jillian, Sami and Max.
Colton Orr
Colton Orr played 477 games in the National Hockey League and registered 24 points (12g, 12a) and over 1100 Penalty Minutes. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada, Orr’s former teammates include Jaromir Jagr, Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Drury, Brendan Shanahan, Phil Kessel, Joe Thornton, and Brian Leetch.
Billy McCreary
Billy McCreary served as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Danbury Hat Tricks for three seasons, earning the 2019-20 FPHL Coach of the Year Award. In 2024, he stepped down from his coaching and management roles to accept an Assistant Coaching position with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL. While he is no longer actively involved with the team in a coaching capacity, McCreary remains a Partner in the Hat Tricks’ Ownership Group, continuing to support the organization’s growth and success.
Billy McCreary served as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Danbury Hat Tricks for three seasons, earning the 2019-20 FPHL Coach of the Year Award. In 2024, he stepped down from his coaching and management roles to accept an Assistant Coaching position with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL. While he is no longer actively involved with the team in a coaching capacity, McCreary remains a Partner in the Hat Tricks’ Ownership Group, continuing to support the organization’s growth and success.
A native of Southampton, Ontario, McCreary is a 9-year (2006-2015) Minor League Hockey veteran with a distinguished career as both a player and coach. During his playing career, McCreary spent time with the Trenton Titans (ECHL), Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), New Mexico Scorpions (CHL), and the New Jersey Outlaws (FHL). He contributed to championship teams in Huntsville (2010) and New Jersey (2012), where he also served as a dual-role player-coach. Collegiately, McCreary played for Providence College (Hockey East) and Curry College (ECAC-NE).
McCreary has an extensive coaching background, which includes stops with the Watertown Wolves (FHL), East Coast Selects-Q, Portland Junior Pirates (USPHL), North Jersey Avalanche, Seacoast Spartans, and ISS Kings. His experience spans all levels of hockey, from youth development to professional leagues.
At the youth level, McCreary achieved National, State, and International Championships. He played for the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep in Minnesota, where he was a linemate of current NHL forward Zach Parise. During his junior hockey career with the Texas Tornado (NAHL), he recorded 45 goals and 71 assists in 98 games, earning All-Rookie Team honors and a First Team All-Star selection.
McCreary comes from a storied hockey lineage. His grandfather Bill McCreary Sr., great-uncle Keith McCreary, father Bill McCreary Jr., and relatives Ron and Bob Attwell all played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is also related to Bill McCreary, a Hall of Fame inductee as an NHL on-ice official, and Mike McCreary, who officiates in minor league hockey.
Medical
Adrienne Dembeck
DR. ANGELO CIMINIELLO
DR. PETER ACKERMAN
DR. MATT HARTSBURG
DR. JARED DILORENZO
DR. ERIC SCHMITT
DR. LEE DAY
DR. WALTER KOSTRZEWSKI, D.M.D
