After a season-opening 4-2 win on Friday, the Hat Tricks were back in action on Saturday against a hungry Elmira Aviators team, who were ready to respond, and they did, earning a 4-1 victory at the Danbury Ice Arena.
Danbury made a few changes to their lineup heading into the game, but Ty Ferguson was once again in goal for the Orange and Black. For Elmira, Jake Shingles made his first start of the season.
Just over five minutes into the game, with bodies flying all over the crease, Jack Kohlman was able to put the puck into a yawning net, giving the Aviators a 1-0 lead early on.
Six minutes later, Connecticut native Max Festa tipped home a shot past Ferguson to give the Aviators a 2-0 lead, which they carried into the first intermission.
In the second, Elmira continued to push on the Hat Tricks, and it paid off as Nico Pohjola found a loose puck on the right post and put it home to give the Aviators a three-goal lead.
A few minutes later, Tristan Konobelj put a shot towards the goal, and Brent Beswick tipped it into the back of the net to cut the lead back to two heading into the third period.
Danbury got a few high-leverage opportunities in the third period, but Shingles stood tall and helped the Aviators get a 4-1 win, following an empty-netter by Liam McCloy.
Ty Ferguson made 36 saves on 39 shots, while Shingles made 20 for Elmira.
Click HERE for tonight’s Box Score.
Next up for the Hat Tricks, a two-game series against the Northeast Generals on Friday and Saturday Sept. 18-19. Both games at the Danbury Ice Arena and will start at 7:00. Tickets will be on sale at the door for $10.