Danbury scores four in third, drops Carolina

DANBURY, Conn.- The Carolina Thunderbirds, proud members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, dropped their third game of the weekend to the Danbury Hat Tricks 7-4 at Danbury Arena on Saturday night.


Carolina’s powerplay exploded for four goals in the game, including the first two goals from Daniel Klinecky and Jay Kenney to give the Thunderbirds a 2-0 lead after the first period. Kenney’s goal ties his single-season career high with three.


Danbury’s offense awoke in the second period as Shayne Morrissey delivered just 1:15 into the frame.


Petr Panacek answered Morrissey’s goal on the powerplay, sniping Dillon Kelley’s blocker side to make it 3-1. The Carolina powerplay unit would finish 4-of-5 and at were perfect into the third period.


Casper Dyrssen brought Danbury within a goal, scoring on a breakaway midway through the second period. Morrissey tied the game with just 44.9 seconds remaining in the period, capitalizing on his own rebound.


The Hat Tricks dominated the third period, scoring four goals on Jake Mullen. Vladislav Gavrik rolled a slapshot up Joe Cangelosi’s stick and over Mullen just two minutes into the third. Ruiz added the first of Danbury’s two powerplay goals just moments later.


The Thunderbirds fought back though, Konner Haas scored his fourth goal of the weekend on a one-timer to bring the Thunderbirds within one on the man advantage.


Carter Shinkaruk batted in a goal with his stick at shoulder height to squelch the comeback effort. Despite legitimate protest, the goal stood as Shinkaruk’s 20th of the season and 8th against the Thunderbirds this year.


Nicola Levesque would add one more Hat Trick goal on the powerplay, capping off a brilliant third period performance by Danbury.


The Thunderbirds loss marks only the second time in team history the team has lost three-in-a-row. Carolina is now 1-6 vs. Danbury all-time, their worst record against any team in FPHL history.


With the win, Danbury is only nine points behind the Thunderbirds for the top spot in the FPHL.


Watertown visits Winston-Salem on Friday and Saturday before Columbus comes to the Annex on Sunday.