By Patrick Frenette
Hat Tricks netminder, Thomas Kiesewetter makes 30 saves on 32 shots, along with a shorthanded goal from forward, Wyatt Stefan, allows Danbury to end the season with a 3-2 win!
In the first frame, the Rebels got off to a strong start, scoring two goals within two minutes to give them an early lead. Danbury netminder, Thomas Kiesewetter and the Hat Tricks defense held it down for the rest of the period only allowing those two goals from Philadelphia. 16:59 into the period, Danbury defenseman, Pierre Larocque, scored his first goal of his NAHL career, on a rebound following a breakaway from Hat Tricks forward, Mason Lupo.
In the second frame, Danbury applied more pressure on the Rebels offense. This includes Kiesewetter making nine saves on nine shots throughout the period. The Hat Tricks would grab the first power play of the game, after Rebels defenseman, Julian Brown, got called for boarding. Although Danbury would not convert on the power play, Hat Tricks forward, Timur Nalyetov, would bury his first NAHL goal, with 13:47 left to play in the period. Heading into the final period, the score would be knotted at two.
Entering the final frame, tensions were high as Danbury wanted this win for forwards Logan Nickerson & David Tolan, yet Philadelphia was fighting for a playoff spot. Despite a double minor power play for the Rebels in addition to a power play opportunity for Danbury, both goaltenders held it down for their squads. Hat Tricks forward, Josh Erickson, would be called for holding with 5:17 remaining in the period, score tied at two. In the remaining 32 seconds of the penalty kill, Danbury forward, Wyatt Stefan, broke up a pass that lead to the 18 year old forward scoring the game winning goal whilst shorthanded. ‘
Danbury ends their season on a high note, while knocking Philadelphia out of playoff contention in the process. Although the season may be over, you can follow us on social media for updates on next season!