Danbury, CT- The NAHL season begins in Danbury with the Jr. Hat Tricks hosting the Johnstown Tomahawks for a two-game series on Friday and Saturday night at the Danbury Ice Arena. This is the second year in which the Hat Tricks host the opening game of the NAHL calendar. The Northeast Generals came into town last season for the opening series of the 2021-22 season.
Danbury finished 12-42-5-1 last season and looks to start a new season off strong. Luka Sukovic (’03) is the returning leading scorer with 11 goals and 28 points. Denver Pioneer commit Peter Lajoy (’02) returns for his first full season in Hat City after a season split between Danbury and Wichita Falls. Andrew Eberling (’02) fills out more of the offensive punch, notching 10 goals and 30 points across his first two seasons in Danbury ahead of his last year of junior hockey.
Two international additions bring size to the unit for the new season. Belarusian blue-liner Denis Radchenko (’03) stands at 6’6″ and notched an assist in the Hat Tricks’ preseason scrimmage against the Northeast Generals. Czech native Oto Theimer (’03) notched 40 points in 41 games played in the Czechia U20 league last season and stands at 6’5″ up front.
Milford, MI, native Griffin Zaske adds to the blue line’s size, standing at 6’5″ and arriving after time split between the Minnesota Wilderness and the Bismark Bobcats last season.
Three goalies return for the new season with experience for the Orange and Black last season. Adam Johnson (’02), Connor McDonough (’04). and Marino Ramirez (’03) all played meaningful time in the Jr. Hat Tricks net last season and all showed promise. “Johnny’s definitely our starter,” commented Head Coach Matt Voity. “…but the other two guys are pushing him and that’s what we wanted coming into this year. We didn’t want anyone to be comfortable whether you’re a goalie or a forward or a D. So that’s worked out really well.”
The Johnstown Tomahawks begin a new season after finishing second in the NAHL’s Eastern Division in the 2021-22 season, notching a 34-20-4-2 record. Johnstown’s Head Coach Mike Letizia returns for his 9th season behind the bench.
Puck drops at the Danbury Ice Arena at 7pm ET. Chris Lynch will have the call on Hockey TV’s broadcast of the NAHL’s Season opener.