In their first game of the 2026 NAHL Showcase, the Danbury Hat Tricks fell to the Grand Junction River Hawks by a score of 3-1.
It was the first meeting between an East Division team, and an opponent from the Mountain Division in NAHL history.
Ty Ferguson manned the crease for the Hat Tricks, while for Grand Junction it was Preston Lewis.
The River Hawks got on the board first, just under four minutes in, on a goal by Lincoln Martin. Danbury outshot Grand Junction in the first, as they trailed 1-0 after one.
In the Second, Danbury killed off four penalties, but allowed one right after one expired with four minutes to go on a goal by Holden Gallagher. Thirty seconds later, the Hat Tricks got on the board thanks to Tristan Konobelj,
After two, it was 2-1 Grand Junction heading into the third.
Danbury was able to draw two penalties in the early part of the third and had a whole Two-Minute Five-on-Three Power Play, but Lewis shut the door multiple times, and the River Hawks’ defense kept clearing the puck.
Then, with just over four minutes to go, Konobelj would be sprung on a breakaway, but hauled down heading to the net, and warranted a Penalty Shot. Konobelj came in on Lewis, went to the forehand, but Lewis held it off and kept the lead with Grand Junction.
Adam Dauda would pull Ferguson with just over two minutes to go to try to get the equalizer, but Lewis continued to stand tall, and then the River Hawks got the insurance from Gallagher to hold on and win it 3-1. Danbury outshot Grand Junction 7-2 in the third.
Ferguson made 24 saves; Lewis made 27. Danbury went 0/3 on the Power Play, but went 5/5 on the Penalty Kill.
Next up for the Hat Tricks is a matchup with the Wisconsin Windigo tomorrow at 4:00 EST. You can catch the action on NATV.
About the Hat Tricks
The Danbury Hat Tricks are the Premier Junior Hockey program in the state of Connecticut, playing in the Tier 2 North American Hockey League. The Hat Tricks organization has sent countless players to Pro, NCAA D1, D3, and major junior hockey. Notable alumni include 2024-25 Hat Trick and Redding Native Niko Tournas (Moncton, QMJHL), 2021-22 Hat Trick Patriks Berzins (St. Cloud State, NCHC, D1), 2025-26 Hat Trick Patrik Ula (Sudbury, OHL), and many more.