Ice Chips 11/7/2026

MOTOR CITY ROCKERS at DANBURY HAT TRICKS

HAT TRICKS END FIVE-GAME SKID WITH 3-2 WIN OVER ROCKERS

By Patrick Grudberg

Danbury, CT - The Danbury Hat Tricks snapped their five-game losing streak on Saturday night with a 3-2 win over the Motor City Rockers.

Austan Bellefeuille gave Danbury an early lead at 3:03, slotting home a loose puck in front for his first goal of the season. The Hat Tricks carried that 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Halfway through the second period, Levi Wunder found a streaking Grady Friedman in behind the Rockers defensive pair. In alone, the rookie lifted a backhand shot over Jake Gwillim to score his 4th of the season and give the Hat Tricks a 2-0 lead after two periods.

Motor City offered a late push in the third period as Jhuwon Davis scored at 10:22 to make it 2-1. But 52 seconds later, Conor Witherspoon stuffed home a loose rebound to restore the Hat Tricks’ two-goal lead. With the goaltender pulled, TJ Sneath beat Kyle Penton with 36 seconds to go. Yet despite being outshot 39-21 (and 21-9 in the 3rd), the Hat Tricks survived.

The Danbury Hat Tricks (3-5) begin a three-game road trip on Wednesday, November 11th as they visit the Watertown Wolves (0-7-2) at the Northern Credit Union Community Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:05pm. 

INDIANA SENTINELS at WATERTOWN WOLVES 

Historic Night for Dustin Henning, but Wolves Fall 6-3

By Jeff Barrett

WATERTOWN, NY - Coming off a 4-3 shootout loss for the Wolves on Friday night, Watertown and Indiana would square off for game number two of the weekend on this Saturday night. It was a special night in the barn as Dustin Henning laced them up for his 534 FPHL game, becoming the record holder for most games played in the league.

Brett Parker put the Wolves up 1-0 at the 13:04 mark assisted by Jake Schultz and Donovan Powell.

Indiana scored four unanswered goals in the second period to take the 4-1 lead. First it was Ben Stefanini at 4:07 assisted by Alex Arnold. Tucker Kruse added a  goal less than a minute later to make it 4-2. Aaron Shahin added a powerplay goal assisted by Ross Bartlett at 11:49. At 13:58 Stefanini added his second of the period on a power play to extend the lead to 4-1

Matt O'Shaughnessy put the Wolves back on the board in the third at 5:456, assisted by Powell and Parker. Watertown inched closer at 14:13 on a Brendan Hussy goal making it 4-3. At 18:11 Thomas Miller again extended the Sentinels lead assisted by Vaughn Clauston. Ben Stefanini added and empty netter at 19.26 sending Indiana to a 6-3 win

The Wolves next head to Winston Salem, NC to take on the Twin City Thunderbirds for a two game set.  

Stefanini’s Hatty Helps Sentinels Sweep Wolves

By Andy Poetzinger

WATERTOWN, NY - Last night, the Sentinels and the Wolves went down to the very wire to decide the contest with Indiana coming away with a 4-3 shootout win. The Sents were hoping to give themselves a bit more breathing room today and not have to take another game to extra time.

It was a bit of a slower start for both sides in the first period. Neither team was able to get momentum and hold on to it. The Sentinels once again had trouble staying out of the penalty box with three tripping infractions being called against them in the opening frame.

After the Sentinels had done a good job of blocking shots and taking away shooting lanes, Watertown converted on their final powerplay of the period. Jake Schultz was able to rip a one-timer from the far circle that Cooper Olson got a pad on, but the rebound laid free for Bret Parker and he potted his fifth of the season. 

The second period brought out a new look Indiana Sentinels squad. They were faster, more organized, and all around out worked the Watertown Wolves in the middle period. Scoring opened with Ben Stefanini given all day and next week to walk in a rip a wrist shot that Samuel Zgiet got 95% of but could not get all of it as it barely slid over the goal line for Stefanini’s third of the season.

Just 47 seconds later, Noah Hippolyte-Smith started a 2-on-1 with Tucker Kruse and Kruse, driving the net, was able to ricochet Hippolyte-Smith’s pass behind Zgiet for his first in his FPHL career.

Hard work from the Sentinels meant more opportunities on the powerplay. Finally, they started to see results. Ross Bartlett found Aaron Shahin alone in front of the net, and Shahin spun around and beat the goaltender for his fourth of the year, tying a career high in goals.

The Sents were not finished there. Just four seconds into their second powerplay, Alex Arnold hit Ben Stefanini in the slot and Stefanini slipped one under the pads of Zgiet to give the Sents a 4-1 lead and end the evening for Sam Zgiet. It was a 13-shot period for the Sentinels who gave up only 6 shots on net, none of which were particularly dangerous.

Watertown was not deterred, however, and answered back in the third period. Matthew O’Shaugnessy picked up his first of the year on the powerplay with 14:14 to play in the third. That would be the fifth goal on the powerplay for the Wolves on the weekend.

With 5:47 to play, Brendan Hussey off the rush ripped home a shot from the tops of the circles that went bar down over the shoulder of Cooper Olson to bring the score to 4-3.

With the Sents starting to sweat a bit, which opened the door for Thomas Miller to submit his application for “Goal of the Week” in the FPHL. He made a sweet move at the blue line to undress a defender and slid home his third of the year to give the Sentinels a 5-3 lead. 

Tying the bow on top was the first ever hat trick in the FPHL of Ben Stefanini and the Sentinels would come away with a weekend sweep of the Watertown Wolves. 

While there is still more to work on, it was really good to see the Sentinels get to open up the floodgates a bit and get rewarded for their efforts with a 6-goal performance. They hope to bring that same effort back home next week as they prepare to take on the Topeka Scarecrows.

Next week at the Ham will have a lot to offer outside of some top tier hockey. Friday night is our Military Appreciation Night. All service members will get a special discount on tickets as well as merchandise at the merch booth in the lobby. Saturday night is our “Pack the Ham” night where we look forward to seeing another sell-out crowd. We will also be running a toy drive and having a T-shirt giveaway as well. 

COLUMBUS RIVER DRAGONS at MONROE MOCCASINS

Barrow Turns In 4 points As Columbus Breaks Dry Spell

By Danny DeBock & Kellen Johnson

Monroe, LA - The Moccasins aimed to build momentum after their 6-3 win the previous night against Columbus. 

Tyler Barrow produced 1 goal and 3 assists to lead the way and Douglas Wakelyn turned in 33 saves as the Columbus River Dragons ran away late to the tune of a 5-3 defeat of the Monroe Moccasins. Kyle Moore, Alex Storjohann, Galvin Ryan, and Yaroslav Yevdokimov also scored goals for Columbus. Jared Christy, Bradley Richardson, and Jordan Ernst scored goals for the Moccasins and Garret Johnson saved 18 shots in the loss

Columbus started Douglas Wakelyn in net while Garrett Johnson made his third straight start for the Moccasins.

Tyler Barrow opened the scoring at 17:22 when he broke free on a breakaway coming fresh off the penalty box, whistling a shot by Johnson to give the River Dragons the only goal of the period. Monroe outshot Columbus 10-5 in the opening period.

The teams combined for 4 goals - all via the power play - in the second period thanks to 11 combined penalties. Jared Christy scored a goal at 3:45 and Jordan Ernst turned in another at 15:09. Columbus turned in their own two goals thanks to Kyle Moore and Alex Storjohann at 7:32 and 18:06, respectively. The period was best classified as physical, including multiple bouts of shoving and coaches arguing with referees

Bradley Richardson started the 3rd with an equalizer at 2:33, and ushered in a more frantic pace of play which saw Columbus put away two goals at 5:58 and 9:03

The River Dragons next week play a home and home series against the Mid-South Monarchs. Monroe travels for the first time in franchise history to Wytheville, Virginia to face the Blue Ridge Bobcats.

Barrow Leads the Way as Dragons Close Road Trip with 5-3 Win

By Devin Dobek

Monroe, LA - Following a heated contest the previous night, the Columbus River Dragons entered the finale of their four-game road trip looking to close things out on a high note. Behind a four-point performance from Tyler Barrow and 33 saves from Douglas Wakelyn, Columbus answered the call, never trailing in a back-and-forth affair before pulling away for a 5-3 victory over the Monroe Moccasins.

Both teams traded chances early in the opening period, with Wakelyn returning to the crease for the first time in two weeks. On the other end, Monroe turned to Garrett Johnson for his third consecutive start, marking the longest stretch of consecutive starts in his career. The physicality carried over from the previous night's meeting, and as the period progressed, tensions began to rise. Monroe earned two power-play opportunities in the frame, while Columbus had one, but neither side managed to capitalize.

The first goal instead came at even strength. Fresh out of the penalty box, Tyler Barrow collected a pass from Austin Daae and broke in alone on Johnson, finishing the breakaway at 17:22 to give Columbus a 1-0 lead. Despite being outshot 10-5 in the opening 20 minutes, the Dragons carried the advantage into the intermission.

The intensity picked up considerably in the second period, with both teams leaning into the physical side of the game. Monroe was awarded an early two-man advantage, and Jared Christy took advantage, finding the back of the net through traffic at 3:45 to even the score at one.

Columbus responded quickly on a power play of its own. Kyle Moore created space in tight with a well-executed pivot move before finishing on the forehand to restore the Dragons' lead at 2-1. The back-and-forth continued inside the final five minutes, when Monroe converted another five-on-three opportunity. Jordan Ernst fired a shot through traffic from the high slot for his third goal of the weekend, bringing the Moccasins even once again.

The Dragons had one more answer before the period came to a close. On another power-play opportunity, Barrow found Alex Storjohann positioned at the bumper, where the forward snapped a shot to the far side to put Columbus back in front, 3-2. Monroe held a 23-15 advantage in shots through 40 minutes, but the Dragons maintained the lead heading into the third.

Columbus opened the final frame with a power play carried over from the second, but couldn't extend its advantage. Monroe capitalized on the momentum shortly afterward, as Bradley Richardson knocked a puck out of midair and past Wakelyn at 2:27 to tie the game at three.

The Dragons, however, continued to find ways to respond. At 5:58, Ryan Galvin broke into an odd-man rush and wired a shot past Johnson on the far side, giving Columbus its fourth lead of the night. Just over three minutes later, Yaro Yevdokimov provided some breathing room, unloading a heavy shot from the top of the far circle that beat Johnson over the shoulder to extend the advantage to 5-3.

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Monroe had opportunities to make things interesting down the stretch, earning a power play and pulling Johnson for the extra attacker in the closing minutes. Wakelyn stood tall through the final push, turning aside every opportunity to finish with 33 saves and help secure the 5-3 victory.

The win brings Columbus to 4-4-0 on the season and closes out a four-game road trip on a positive note. The River Dragons now return to Columbus to begin a home-and-home series with the Mid-South Monarchs on Friday and Saturday.

Monroe falls to 4-5-1 and will look to rebound next weekend when the Moccasins travel to Blue Ridge for a two-game series against the Bobcats.

PORT HURON PROWLERS at MINNESOTA NORTHERN LIGHTS

Prowlers Down the Northern Lights for the Sweep

By Brett Hanson

Thief River Falls, MN - Prowlers get on the board first 4 minutes into the game with a goal by Brett Morich assisted by Connor Bizal. Norskies answered back a few minutes later with a power play goal by Chris Corgan assisted by Eric Ylitalo. Prowlers answer right back with a goal by Alex Johnson shorthanded as the prowlers carry a 2-1 lead into the second.

The prowlers pad there lead 50 seconds into the second with another shorthanded goal. With no scoring in the third the prowlers completed the road sweep of the Northern Lights.

Matt Lenz of the MNL finished with 41 saves on 44 shots.

Andrew Maclean had 17 saves on 18 shots.

Northern Lights look to bounce back next weekend at home against Fresno Falcons.

BLUE RIDGE BOBCATS at TWIN CITY THUNDERBIRDS

White’s Late Goal Powers Thunderbirds to 4-3 Home Opener Win

By Kendall Grayson

Winston-Salem, NC– Captain Zach White scored his second goal of the night with twenty-seven seconds remaining in regulation to lift the Twin City Thunderbirds to a 4-3 victory over the Blue Ridge Bobcats in Saturday’s Home Opener at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena. Ayvin Eidsness made fifty-one saves in front of 2,858 fans as the Thunderbirds completed a two-game sweep of their Atlantic Division rivals and improved to 5-1-0 on the 2026-2027 season. The victory was Jon Buttitta’s first at home as Head Coach.

White opened the scoring with an unassisted goal at 10:25 of the 1st period. Colin Roe tied the game at 17:08, with Alex Norwinski and Matthew Horan picking up assists for Blue Ridge. Eidsness made eighteen saves in the opening period as the Bobcats outshot the Thunderbirds 19-6. The teams went into the first intermission, tied 1-1.

Twin City erased two deficits in the 2nd period. Vladislav Vlasov gave Blue Ridge its first lead with a powerplay goal at 1:23, assisted by Demid Podrezov. Jacob Schnapp tied the game at 2-2 with an even-strength goal at 9:49, with Jack Johansen collecting the assist.

Nikolai Dulak put the Bobcats back in front at 12:38 on an assist from Christian Halbig. Roman Kraemer answered at 18:06, tying the game at 3-3 on a setup from Tobin Winslow. Blue Ridge held a 17-13 advantage in shots during the middle period.

Eidsness stopped all eighteen Blue Ridge shots in the 3rd period, keeping the game tied until White scored at 19:33. Joey McCormick and Charlie Bedard assisted on the goal, White’s second game-winner in as many nights. He also scored forty-seven seconds into overtime in Friday’s 3-2 victory at Hitachi Energy Arena in Wytheville, Virginia.

Eidsness stopped ninety-one of ninety-six shots across the two wins. Maximus Macchioni made twenty-nine saves on thirty-three shots for Blue Ridge on Saturday. The Thunderbirds went scoreless on four powerplay opportunities, while the Bobcats converted once on six chances. White earned 1st Star of the Game honors, with Eidsness and Schnapp named 2nd and 3rd Stars, respectively.

The Thunderbirds return to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena on Friday, November 13th, to open a two-game series against the Watertown Wolves. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:45pm ET on Friday and 6:05pm ET on Saturday, November 14th.

MID-SOUTH MONARCHS at TOPEKA SCARECROWS

Scarecrows Special Teams Make the Difference, 2-1

By Jon Kliment

Topeka, KS – Topeka returned to home ice to close out the six game homestand looking for retribution against the Mid-South Monarchs. The Scarecrows battled til the end but couldn't get over a three goal deficit on Friday night and looked to find their rhythm  on Saturday night in game two of the four game season series. 

Even though Topeka came out with a high octane attempt it was the special teams that saw a lot of the action in the first period with seven penalties called. Despite struggling on Friday night going 0 for 1 on the penalty kill the Scarecrows stymied the Monarchs four times in the first.

At the beginning of the second period after a four on four expired Topeka got their first chance on the power play and Jacob Gagnon fed Scott Coash whose shot rebounded to Elijah Wilson who put the puck off Tommy Nappier's blocker and into the net for a1-0 lead 1:07 into the second. 4:09 later on another power play Tristen Wells picked up a puck found Boston Bird pinching into the slot who buried it low glove side past Nappier for the 2-0 advantage. 12:00 into the frame Mid-South answered back as Chiwetin Blacksmith picked up a loose puck rolling out of skates to bring the Monarchs back within a goal, but that was as close as Mid-South would get.

Bernard stopped 35 of 36 for the win, his 5th of the season.

Topeka heads out to Indiana to battle the Sentinels next week. Follow along on YouTube at 7:30pm ET!

Mid-South Can’t Find Equalizer, Fall To Topeka

By Cole Parenti

Topeka, KS – The Monarchs and Scarecrows were back in action on Saturday night inside the Stormont Vail Event Center. The Monarchs were looking to pick up their first weekend sweep of the year after coming away victorious the night before. 

The first period belonged to the goaltenders, as neither side would buckle. Tommy Nappier made 10 saves, while his counterpart, Sammy Bernard, recorded 12 to send the game into the second period deadlocked. 

The second period was where the scoring got started, as Elijah Wilson picked up where he left off the previous night, getting Topeka on the board. Boston Bird would double the Scarecrows’ lead when he found himself open in front of the net and converted on the power play. Chiwetin Blacksmith would cut the lead in half as he threw a puck off a defender and into the net, sending the game into the third period with Topeka leading 2-1. 

The third period was tight, and both teams had their chances, but neither goalie would falter as Topeka escaped with the 2-1 victory. 

Tommy Nappier made 39 of the 41 saves asked of him, while Scarecrows goaltender Sammy Bernard stopped 40 of 41 shots. 

The Monarchs will be on the road next Friday in Columbus before returning home Saturday. Both games will be streamed live on the Monarchs’ YouTube channel.

BATON ROUGE KINGFISH at FRESNO FALCONS

HUFFNAGLE NETS OVERTIME WINNER AS FALCONS COMPLETE WEEKEND SWEEP OF KINGFISH, 4-3

Fresno survives three-goal comeback, claims thrilling overtime victory in front of 6,084 fans on Military Appreciation Night at Selland Arena

By Bryan Flores

Fresno, CA - The Fresno Falcons completed a memorable weekend sweep of the Baton Rouge Kingfish on Saturday night, defeating their cross-country opponents 4-3 in overtime before an electric crowd of 6,084 fans at Selland Arena on Military Appreciation Night.

After building a commanding 3-0 lead in the opening period, Fresno watched Baton Rouge battle back with three unanswered goals, including a late third-period equalizer that forced overtime.

But the Falcons refused to let their weekend end in disappointment.

At 2:49 of the extra period, Aaron Huffnagle delivered the deciding goal, assisted by Hugo Koch and Mathieu-Alexandre Wilkins, securing the victory and completing Fresno's two-game sweep of the Kingfish.

The thrilling finish capped off Military Appreciation Night, as the Falcons celebrated another victory on home ice while honoring the nation's military community.

Falcons Strike Three Times in Opening Period

Fresno wasted little time establishing its offensive presence, jumping out to an early three-goal advantage.

Koch opened the scoring just 1:19 into the contest, converting off assists from Justin Daly and Trey Deloury to give Fresno a 1-0 lead.

Less than three minutes later, Austin Albrecht doubled the advantage, finding the back of the net at 4:05 with assists from Carson Vance and Houston Wilson.

The Falcons continued their offensive surge at 6:22 when Sterling Bear scored Fresno's third unanswered goal, assisted by Huffnagle and Wilson.

The early offensive explosion prompted Baton Rouge to make a change in goal, with Edward Coffey replacing starting netminder Anthony Seykora shortly after Fresno's third tally.

Fresno outshot the Kingfish 12-7 during the opening 20 minutes and carried a commanding 3-0 advantage into the first intermission.

Kingfish Begin Their Comeback

The second period saw the Kingfish begin to chip away at Fresno's advantage.

Both clubs traded scoring opportunities throughout the middle frame, with Fresno continuing to generate pressure against Coffey while Austyn Roudebush remained steady between the pipes.

Despite holding a three-goal advantage for much of the period, the Falcons surrendered a late power-play goal.

At 17:40, Tobias Odjick converted on the man advantage, with assists from Joseph Drapluk and Tyler Williams, cutting the Falcons' lead to 3-1.

Fresno finished the middle frame with a 14-13 advantage in shots and entered the third period holding a two-goal cushion.

Baton Rouge Forces Overtime

The Kingfish wasted little time making things interesting in the third period.

At 1:47, Tyler Larwood scored for Baton Rouge, assisted by Garrett Klotz and Scott Shorrock, bringing the visitors within one at 3-2.

With the Falcons holding a narrow one-goal lead, the remainder of the period became a battle of goaltending and defensive execution.

Fresno continued creating opportunities, generating 16 third-period shots while attempting to restore its two-goal cushion.

Coffey stood tall in the Baton Rouge crease, denying the Falcons an insurance goal and keeping his team within striking distance.

At the other end, Roudebush continued to provide timely saves as the Kingfish searched for an equalizer.

With time running out, Baton Rouge pulled Coffey for an extra attacker.

The gamble paid off.

At 18:41 of the third period, Jake Cox scored with the extra attacker on the ice, assisted by Odjick and Jason Brancheau, completing the Kingfish's comeback and tying the contest at three.

After surrendering a three-goal advantage, Fresno entered overtime needing one final offensive push to complete the weekend sweep.

Huffnagle Delivers in Overtime

The Falcons entered the extra period determined to finish what they had started.

Both teams generated opportunities during the opening minutes of overtime, with Roudebush making a key save against Sam Turner to keep the contest tied.

Fresno's persistence eventually paid off.

At 2:49 of overtime, Huffnagle found the back of the net, assisted by Koch and Wilkins, delivering the game-winning goal and securing a dramatic 4-3 victory.

The overtime winner brought an emphatic conclusion to a weekend in which the Falcons defeated Baton Rouge in consecutive games at Selland Arena.

Roudebush, Offensive Depth Help Secure Sweep

While Huffnagle provided the decisive moment, Fresno's victory was built on contributions throughout the lineup.

Koch recorded a goal and an assist, while Wilson collected two assists during the Falcons' opening-period scoring surge.

Huffnagle finished with a goal and an assist, including the game-winner, while Albrecht and Bear each contributed a goal.

Roudebush recorded 26 saves on 29 shots, helping Fresno withstand Baton Rouge's comeback and preserve an opportunity to win the game in overtime.

The Falcons finished with a 44-29 advantage in shots on goal, including a 16-8 edge in the third period.

Baton Rouge converted once on four power-play opportunities, while Fresno finished scoreless on three chances with the man advantage.

More Than 6,000 Fans Celebrate a Weekend to Remember

With 6,084 fans filling Selland Arena on Saturday night, the Falcons delivered another memorable chapter in the return of professional hockey to California's Central Valley.

The atmosphere provided a fitting backdrop for Military Appreciation Night, as the Falcons honored those who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces.

Saturday's victory completed a two-game sweep over Baton Rouge after the Falcons opened the series Friday with a 4-2 victory in front of 4,736 fans.

The weekend showcased two different sides of Fresno's game.

On Friday, the Falcons overcame an early deficit behind Justin Daly's two-goal performance and 30 saves from Roudebush.

On Saturday, Fresno built an early advantage, endured a determined comeback and ultimately delivered in overtime.

Across the two-night series, 10,820 fans attended Falcons hockey at Selland Arena, continuing the excitement surrounding the team's inaugural FPHL campaign.

With back-to-back victories over the Kingfish, the Falcons closed out a memorable weekend on home ice, giving the Central Valley faithful another reason to celebrate.

Up Next

The Falcons will turn their attention to their upcoming road trip to Minnesota, where they are scheduled to face the Minnesota Northern Lights on November 13-14.

Fresno will look to carry its momentum from the weekend sweep into its next series.

FALCONS SCORE IN OVERTIME TO SPOIL KINGFISH'S THREE-GOAL COMEBACK

By Eddie McCarthy

Fresno, CA - The Fresno Falcons scored 2:49 into overtime to defeat the Baton Rouge Kingfish, 4-3, at Selland Arena.

Baton Rouge played its worst period of the season in the opening 20 minutes. The hosts opened the scoring 1:19 into the game and then added another tally just shy of three minutes later. At 6:22 of the first period, the Falcons scored again to take a 3-0 lead. The third Fresno goal chased Kingfish starter Tony Seykora, and Ed Coffey finished the game in between the pipes for Baton Rouge. 

Tobias Odjick scored on the powerplay with 2:20 left in the first period to get the Kingfish on the board. Baton Rouge trailed, 3-1, after 20 minutes. 

In the second period, Tyler Larwood buried his first goal of the season at 18:13 to cut the Fresno lead to one. The game headed to the third period with the Kingfish chasing one goal. 

In the third, both goaltenders were tremendous. Coffey made a series of brilliant saves for the Kingfish to preserve the 3-2 scoreline. With under two minutes to play, Baton Rouge pulled Coffey to go six-on-five, and the Fish cashed in. Jake Cox deflected in a Jason Brancheau wrist shot to tie the game, 3-3. The Kingfish earned a point, and we headed to overtime.

Just over halfway through the extra session, the Falcons scored off the rush to take the extra point and win the game in overtime, 4-3. 

Coffey made 38 saves in the loss. The Kingfish are idle until next Friday when they begin a three-in-three on the road with the Binghamton Black Bears. Opening faceoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CST at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena.