The Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks dropped a pair of tough games against the division rival New Jersey Titans on Thursday and Friday afternoon at Danbury Arena.
Early starts would prove to be the killer for Danbury, as in both games the Jr. Hat Tricks would be forced to overcome a multi-goal deficit. On Thursday, Danbury trailed 3-0 early in the second period before Kyle Madigan finally got the white-and-orange on the board. New Jersey extended their lead to 4-1, but the Jr. Hat Tricks would claw their way back into the game.
A strong second period saw several shots ring off the post and even more near-misses in front of the net. Brandon Cope would strike on the powerplay for his third goal of the season.
In the third, Madigan crashed the net forcing a turnover by a goaltender out playing the puck, bringing the Jr. Hat Tricks to within one. Despite a push in possession, Danbury failed to break through for the final game-tying goal, losing 4-3.
The next day got off to a similarly inauspicious start when the Titans leapt out to another 2-0 lead in the first. Luke Dube would pot his first junior hockey goal to jumpstart the Jr. Hat Tricks’ offense before the first intermission.
A Brandon Cope goal off the rush would knot the score, but the Titans would once more pull out in front with a pair of quick strikes in the second. New Jersey would skate away with a 6-2 victory.
“It’s a great example of where our team needs to make the most growth,” commented head coach Kevin Cunningham. “Our start was slower, and [Friday] after battling back we allowed them to get going again. Our defensive game, and also our attention to detail has got to get better.”
“We’ll be prepared against Bay State Sunday,” he concluded.
The Jr. Hat Tricks will host the Bay State Bobcats Sunday night at 8:15pm. Fans will not be permitted entry. Streaming is available at HockeyTV.com.
