Post Game Report Saturday, October 24, 2026

TWIN CITY THUNDERBIRDS at DANBURY HAT TRICKS

TWIN CITY ERASES TWO-GOAL DEFICIT TO BEAT DANBURY 4-2 AND SWEEP WEEKEND SERIES

By Patrick Grudberg

Danbury, CT - The Danbury Hat Tricks were defeated Saturday night by the Twin City Thunderbirds by a score of 4-2, dropping the second of the weekend series. Danbury falls to 2-2 after two straight losses. Meanwhile, Twin City leaves their opening weekend undefeated at 2-0.

The Hat Tricks took control of the game early, dominating shots on goal, eventually paying off with Stefan Miklakos scoring from Conor Witherspoon and Grady Friedman at 13:13, his first as a Hat Trick. Just over two minutes later, Genaro Fronduto scored again for Danbury from a tight-angle wrister, assisted by Miklakos and Witherspoon. Late in the period, Twin City made it 2-1 on the powerplay as Dominic Dumas slotted home a loose puck in front.

It was a back-and-forth second period with both teams enjoying a handful of scoring chances. But with 15 seconds left in the period, Jordan Rosenbaum found Zach White at the opposite circle for a one-timer to tie the game at 2-2.

The teams continued to trade blows throughout the final period, with powerplay chances on both ends of the ice. After Grady Friedman went to the box for a cross-checking minor, the Thunderbirds found their go-ahead goal at 16:45 when Scott Swanson deflected a shot through the five hole of Kyle Penton. Danbury pushed for a tying goal with an empty net, but Jacob Schnapp scored an empty netter with 17 seconds left to seal the win.

The Hat Tricks will look to rewrite the script next weekend when the team takes on the Binghamton Black Bears on Friday, October 30th at the Danbury Ice Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:30 pm.

Thunderbirds rally past Hat Tricks 4-2 to complete weekend sweep

By Kendall Grayson

Danbury, CT - The Twin City Thunderbirds scored four unanswered goals to erase a two-goal deficit and earn a 4-2 road victory over the Danbury Hat Tricks Saturday night at Danbury Ice Arena. Scott Swanson netted the game-winning goal on the powerplay late in the final period, while Zach White led Twin City with one goal and two assists. The victory completed a two-game weekend sweep for the Thunderbirds.

Danbury’s Stefan Miklakos opened the scoring at 13:13 of Saturday’s 1st period with an even-strength goal, assisted by Conor Witherspoon and Grady Friedman. Genaro Fronduto doubled the Hat Tricks’ advantage at 15:58, scoring at even strength with assists from Stefan Miklakos and Conor Witherspoon. Dominic Dumas got the Thunderbirds on the scoreboard with a powerplay goal at 18:19 of the opening period. Dumas’ goal was assisted by Zach White and Zach Papapetros, cutting Danbury’s lead to one goal. Twin City was outshot by a 19-10 margin during Saturday’s opening period, and entered the 2nd period trailing 2-1.

Zach White netted the only goal of Saturday’s middle period at 19:45, pulling the Thunderbirds to an even score with just fifteen seconds remaining in the frame. White’s even-strength goal was assisted by Dominic Dumas and Jordan Rosenbaum, tying the contest at 2-2. Twin City outshot Danbury by a 14-10 margin during the 2nd period, while the Hat Tricks held a 29-24 shots on goal advantage through forty minutes. The Thunderbirds and Hat Tricks entered the final period tied at two goals apiece.

Scott Swanson gave the Thunderbirds their first lead of the night with a powerplay goal at 16:45 of Saturday’s 3rd period. Swanson’s game-winning goal was assisted by Joe McCormick and Jordan Rosenbaum, putting Twin City ahead 3-2 with three minutes and fifteen seconds remaining. Jacob Schnapp added an empty-net goal at 19:43 to secure the 4-2 victory for the Thunderbirds. Schnapp’s even-strength scoring play was assisted by Zach White. Twin City outshot Danbury by a 17-9 margin during the final period, and finished the contest with a 41-38 shots on goal advantage.

The Thunderbirds converted on two of their four powerplay opportunities, while holding the Hat Tricks scoreless on seven chances with the man advantage. Dominic Dumas recorded a goal and an assist in the victory, while Jordan Rosenbaum collected two assists.

The Thunderbirds will return to action next weekend for a pair of road games against the Monroe Moccasins. Both Friday and Saturday’s game are scheduled to begin at 8:05pm ET, and will be streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, with coverage also available on WTOB Radio and Triad Talk Network (TTN).

BINGHAMTON BLACK BEARS at COLUMBUS RIVER DRAGONS

Black Bears Capitalize on Special Teams in 8-2 Win Over Dragons

By Devin Dobek

Columbus, GA - Following an edge-of-your-seat victory on Friday night, the Columbus River Dragons returned to the ice Saturday with a chance to secure a series sweep against the Binghamton Black Bears. However, Binghamton responded with a dominant offensive performance, converting four power-play opportunities and pulling away for an 8-2 victory to split the weekend series.

The opening period featured an energetic start from both sides, with physical play setting the tone early. Binghamton gradually took control of the pace, putting sustained pressure on goaltender Doug Wakelyn, who made his second consecutive start in as many days. The Black Bears broke through at 12:51 when Carter Jordan converted a feed from Ivan Bondarenko, firing a one-timer past Wakelyn following a turnover in the Dragons' defensive zone. Binghamton held a commanding 19-5 advantage in shots on goal into the first intermission with their 1-0 lead.

Binghamton carried its momentum into the second period, striking twice in the opening five minutes to extend its lead to 3-0. CJ Stubbs scored at 3:35 before Bondarenko added a power-play goal at 4:28. The Dragons responded at 8:15, as defenseman Lare Pahtayken joined the rush and finished a pass from Tyler Barrow to put Columbus on the board. The goal provided a spark for the Dragons, who generated additional pressure on Graham Burke in search of another breakthrough. However, Binghamton regained control late in the period, with Stubbs and Sam Dabrowski each finding the back of the net on the power play during the final 5:30. The Black Bears outshot Columbus 33-18 through 40 minutes and carried a 5-1 advantage into the third.

Nolan Egbert entered in relief of Wakelyn to begin the final period, making his River Dragons debut. Pahtayken struck again at 3:03, capitalizing on a rebound to record his second goal of the night and cut the deficit to 5-2. Despite the early response, the Black Bears quickly reestablished their control. Chance Gorman scored twice, at 6:38 and 12:26, before Dabrowski added his second goal of the game at 14:10 to close out the scoring. The third period also featured an increasingly physical finish, with the two teams combining for 34 penalty minutes. Binghamton finished with a 46-29 advantage in shots on goal.

The River Dragons fall to 1-3-0 on the season and will now turn their attention to a four-game road trip, beginning next Friday and Saturday against the Mid-South Monarchs at the Landers Center. Binghamton improves to 4-1-0 and returns to New York for a home-and-home series against the Danbury Hat Tricks next Friday and Saturday.

BLUE RIDGE BOBCATS at WATERTOWN WOLVES

Wolves Struggles Again, Marcinkevics Dazzles

By Connor LaLone

Watertown, NY - Watertown and Blue Ridge squared off again on Saturday night as the Bobcats aimed to stay perfect and the Wolves searched for their first victory of the year. The Wolves would attempt to protect their netminder with more success than in the previous night’s contest, where Anthony Shrum faced nearly 70 shots against.

The Bobcats got things started when talented forward Patriks Marcinkevics scored an even strength effort at 4:35 on assists from Demid Podrezov and Vladislav Vlasov. The speedster found an opening at the net front and deposited a one-timed redirection past Samuel Zgiet. A few minutes later, following an altercation away from the puck, Carter Zimmer and Ezekiel Kirkness initiated a brief but spirited tilt, both picking up 5 minute penalties for the altercation. Brendan Hussey was booked for hooking at 10:14 and 2 minutes and 1 second later, Marcinkevics added his second to make it 2-0. The Blue Ridge power-play would continue to buzz, as they notched their third at 14:51 (Eison Nee from Larry Flett). Watertown would finally solve the Blue Ridge penalty kill skating 5 on 3, as Donovan Powell scored on a rebound blast just seconds after ringing the crossbar.

Marcinkevics could only be kept from his hat trick for so long, as he managed to break through on the power-play at 3:16 of the second period. His third, Blue Ridge’s fourth was perhaps the sweetest of the lot, as he displayed incredible hands to get to the net front and lift a shot over a helpless Anthony Shrum, who replaced Samuel Zgiet following the Bobcats’ third goal in the first period. The majority of the second period would be marred by penalties for both teams, as there was very little 5 on 5 hockey played in the second 20 minutes of action. Donovan Powell and Marcinkevics would pick up offsetting penalties, as the goalscorers were involved in a scrap in the corner at 7:50, before Powell would pick up a 10 minute misconduct at 16:10.

The ugliness continued into and throughout the third period, as both teams racked up substantial PIM including a line brawl that started after Powell was called for an illegal hit to the head and Taylor Cutting and Patriks Marcinkevics exchanged slashes. After the dust had settled from all the nonsense, Vladislav Vlasov scored a power play goal following a delay of game call against Xavier Abdella, a potential case of mistaken identity as it appeared Brendan Hussey had lifted the puck over the glass in the defensive zone.

The Wolves will continue to look for their first win of the season as they travel next week to take on the Port Huron Prowlers in Michigan on Friday and Saturday night.

FINAL: Blue Ridge 6 - 1 Watertown

BATON ROUGE KINGFISH at MID-SOUTH MONARCHS

Monarchs Win Third In A Row

By Cole Parenti

Southhaven, MS - The Monarchs were back in action once again against the Baton Rouge Kingfish at the Landers Center. Mid-South was searching for its third straight victory and second consecutive win on home ice.

The first period was a tight affair, as neither goaltender, Tommy Nappier nor Anthony Seykora, would budge. The game remained scoreless heading into the second period.

The second period got off to a quick start when Tyler Williams scored for the Kingfish, giving them a 1–0 lead. Mid-South quickly responded when A.J. Basich scored his second goal in as many nights to knot the game at one. Anthony Seykora would leave the game with an injury late in the second period. The score remained tied as the game headed into the third period.

The third period belonged to Darion Benchich, who scored twice to put the Monarchs ahead by two. The Kingfish fought back when Scott Shorrock pulled them within one. However, their efforts fell short as Mid-South claimed the 3–2 victory.

Tommy Nappier was stellar once again, stopping 41 of the 43 shots he faced to earn his second straight victory. Meanwhile, the Kingfish goaltenders, Anthony Seykora and Ed Coffey, combined to stop 23 of the 26 shots they faced.

The Mid-South Monarchs head back on the road tomorrow to take on the Kingfish in Baton Rouge at 4:05 p.m. The game will be streamed live on the Monarchs’ YouTube channel.

PENALTIES COST KINGFISH IN SECOND STRAIGHT LOSS TO MID-SOUTH

By Eddie McCarthy

Southhaven, MS - The Baton Rouge Kingfish lost their second straight game to the Mid-South Monarchs, 3-2, tonight at Landers Center in Southaven, Miss. Baton Rouge racked up 51 penalty minutes and allowed two powerplay goals in the loss.

The goaltenders stole the show in the first period, as the game was scoreless heading into the first intermission. In his first professional start, Tony Seykora stopped all nine shots he faced in the opening frame. The Fish were thwarted on all 14 of their shots on net.

Just over two minutes into the second period, Baton Rouge drew first blood. Jason Brancheau connected with Tyler Williams on a two-on-one, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. However, Mid-South responded less than 90 seconds later. Seykora made a series of brilliant saves on a scramble in his goal crease, but faced one shot too many, and the Monarchs leveled the score at one goal apiece. The Kingfish netminder left the game late in the second period with an injury, and Ed Coffey played the final 23 minutes of the contest.

Six minutes into the third period, Mid-South found themselves on a long five-on-three powerplay thanks to Kingfish penalty trouble. The Monarchs capitalized, surging ahead, 2-1, at 6:24. Three minutes later, a miscommunication at Baton Rouge's attacking blue line led to a Mid-South breakaway, and the Monarchs jumped ahead, 3-1.

Scott Shorrock pulled the Kingfish back within one goal on a beautiful snap shot with 6:28 remaining in the third. The Kingfish proceeded to launch everything they had at the Monarchs down the stretch but were unable to muster an equalizer.

Mid-South converted on two of its nine powerplay opportunities. Baton Rouge went scoreless in five chances on the man advantage.

The Kingfish look to avoid a sweep tomorrow.afternoon when the teams play the final game of the three-in-three in Baton Rouge. Puckdrop is slated for 4:05 p.m. at Raising Cane's River center.

MONROE MOCCASINS at TOPEKA SCARECROWS

Scarecrows Put Up Eight Again, Edging Moccasins 8-2

By Jon Kliment

Topeka, KS - The Scarecrows and Moccasins meet up for the second time this season after a huge game from Topeka offensively last night. As the Moccasins look to stop a three game slide they get back three big pieces of their roster and come in looking for vengeance. Topeka is riding momentum as they look forward to a week off before returning here to the Stormont Vail Events Center in November.

Monroe looked energized by the return of three players and found the back of the net early on a high stick tip, but a coaches challenge by Ahmed Mahfouz quickly negated that. Unfortunately for Topeka at 12:46 of the period Jared Christy came streaking in and fired one by Sammy Bernard for a 1-0 lead. Topeka's Trygve Many Guns had the answer on a tip of an Elijah Wilson shot that snuck by Chris Branch to tie the game up at 1-1.

Wilson found the back of the net on his own to kick off the second period 3:36 into the frame as he bounded off the bench, broke in on a 2 on 1 and sniped Branch for the Scarecrows 2-1 lead. 3:31 later on the power play Tyler Inlow blasted a puck from just above the circle to extend Topeka's lead to 3-1. It took just another 2:34 for Many Guns to get a breakaway chance that was denied, but Trygve picked up his own rebound and found Jacob Gagnon in front of the net for the 4-1 lead. 1:57 later on the power play Gagnon sniped a shot from the point for a 5-1 advantage. On the ensuing faceoff Connor Lind dumped a puck on net that beat Branch for a 6-1 lead. 6:10 later Inlow picked up a rebound attempt and buried it behind Dobbs for the 7-1 advantage after two periods of play.

After both sides changed goalies for the final 20 minutes Monroe found an opportunity up 5 on 3. With a two man advantage Andrew Bellant found a path past Everett Bailey glove side to bring the Moccasins back to 7-2. 1:29 later Wilson found the back of the net for the second time on a rebound attempt to give the Scarecrows the 8-2 victory.

Bernard stopped 18 of 19 for his fourth win of the season while Bailey stopped 11 of 12 in relief.

Topeka returns home November 6th for a matchup with the Mid-South Monarchs at 7:05pm.

Scarecrows Match Franchise Scoring Record Again

By Danny DeBock

Topeka, KS - Elijah Wilson and Jacob Gagon scored a pair of goals each while tacking a helper to carry the Topeka Scarecrows to an 8-2 win over the Monroe Moccasins.

Monroe turned to Chris Branch in net once again, while Topeka started Sammy Bernard. The Moccasins saw the return of Jared Christy, Jamie Dorsey, and Corson Green from suspension.

Christy in his first game back opened the scoring for the Moccasins at 12:46 of the opening period. Topeka countered when former Moccasin Trygve Many Guns tied up the game at 16:15 of the first. Both teams went into the dressing room evened up at 1-1.

The second period saw the Scarecrows kill off an early Monroe power play. And then just like how the second period went on Friday night, the Scarecrows began to light the lamp. First, Elijah Wilson gave the Scarecrows a 2-1 lead with a snap shot at 3:36. Quinn O’Reilly tipped in a Tyler Inlow shot on the power play at 7:09 to make it a 3-1. Jacob Gagnon wowed yesterday with a hat trick in Friday night’s game. Gagnon scored a pair at 9:41 and 11:38 on the middle frame to give the Scarecrows a 5-1 lead. After Gagnon’s second goal, Connor Lind scored from center ice, ending Chris Branch’s night. He was replaced by Stephen Dobbs a Navy veteran. Tyler Inlow at 17:56 added another goal to make it 7-1, a lead they took to the dressing room.

The third period had Monroe score on a 5 on 3 power play goal from Andrew Bellant at 8:04. Elijah Wilson scored his second goal at 9:33 to conclude the scoring.

With the 8-2 win, the Scarecrows tie their franchise record for most goals in a game that was set the previous night. Topeka has a rare bye week awaiting them with their record at 4-0-0. Monroe next week welcomes the Twin City Thunderbirds as their mark falls to 2-4-0.

PORT HURON PROWLERS at MOTOR CITY ROCKERS

Rockers Home Opener Spoiled by Rival Prowlers

By Brady Beedon

Wyandotte, MI - The Rockers’ home opener was spoiled by the rival Prowlers by a final score of 5-2.

Avery Smith and Ben Brockway set the tone with a tilt off the opening draw. 2 more fights would take place before 10 seconds of game time had even elapsed.

The Rockers got on the board first; Drew Welsch’s 2nd of the season put the Rockers ahead 1-0 just over 7 minutes into the first period.

The Prowlers responded almost 5 minutes later. Reggie Millette scored his first of two goals on the night to even it up.

Late in the period, it was the Rockers again – TJ Sneath putting the Rockers up 2-1 going into the break.

The middle period was almost fully controlled by the opposition. Goals from Alexander Gomez, Austin Fetterly, and Troy Button gave the Prowlers a 4-2 lead headed into the last frame.

Millette’s second goal came early in the third period, where the Prowlers closed it out with a 5-2 final.

Despite the loss, Yack Arena was packed for the Rockers home opener. The Rockers will go on the road next week for a pair of games against the Indiana Sentinels on Halloween Weekend.

Prowlers Spoil Rockers' Home Opener

By Will Wiegelman

Wyandotte, MI - The Battle of I-94 returned from a year hiatus with a bang. Three fights to begin the first FPHL game at Yack Arena in Wyandotte, Michigan. When the dust settled, the Port Huron Prowlers spoiled the Motor City Rockers’ home opener by taking the contest 5-2.

“I was really pleased with the way we played and competed,” said Prowlers associate head coach Chris Paulin. “A lot of mistakes still, but the compete was really good. I thought the start was electric, the finish was electric and everything in between was a lot to build on.”

Despite Port Huron controlling the play early, former Prowler Drew Welsch put the Rockers on the board first just over seven minutes in. Reggie Millette tied it a few minutes later but TJ Sneath put Motor City back ahead before the end of the first.

The Prowlers took the lead with quick strikes in the second. First, Tim Organ found Alex Gomez on the back door for the latter’s first pro goal. 51 seconds later, Austin Fetterly finished a give-and-go with Matt Graham to make it 3-2. Troy Button added another late in the frame.

Millette put home his second off a feed from Bobby Price early in the third to put the game out of reach. Chirping and post-whistle extra-curricular activities were themes throughout the rivalry matchup.

Millette led Port Huron with three points while Andrew MacLean picked up his first win as a pro after making 18 saves.

Welsch added an assist to his goal and Ricardo Gonzalez made 33 stops in the loss.

The Prowlers have their home opener (for real this time) on October 30 at 7:05 PM against the Watertown Wolves.

STOCKTON THUNDER at FRESNO FALCONS

HUFFNAGLE'S HAT TRICK POWERS FRESNO FALCONS TO 8-4 VICTORY OVER STOCKTON THUNDER

Falcons erupt for eight goals, outshoot Thunder 42-25 in Battle for the 99 showdown at Selland Aren

By Bryan Flores

Fresno, CA - The Fresno Falcons delivered another explosive offensive performance Saturday night, defeating the Stockton Thunder 8-4 at Selland Arena in a physical, high-scoring Battle for the 99 matchup as part of the team's Día de los Muertos celebration.

Forward Aaron Huffnagle led the charge with a hat trick, scoring three times to headline a night in which six different Falcons found the back of the net. Fresno registered 42 shots on goal, converted three power-play opportunities, and received a 21-save performance from goaltender Austyn Roudebush.

The Falcons wasted little time establishing their offensive presence, opening the scoring just 33 seconds into the contest when Noah Finstrom beat Stockton netminder William Augustine. Austin Albrecht doubled Fresno's advantage at the 6:28 mark, giving the home team an early 2-0 lead.

Stockton responded with consecutive power-play goals from Petr Panacek and Payton Jones, leveling the contest at two goals apiece. However, Fresno regained control late in the opening frame when Wynston Iserhoff, assisted by Albrecht, restored the Falcons' advantage at 3-2 heading into the first intermission.

The second period featured another offensive surge from Fresno, with Huffnagle taking center stage.

Huffnagle recorded his first goal of the evening on the power play, with Carson Vance collecting the assist, extending Fresno's lead to 4-2. Stockton's Kenyon Carda answered to make it a one-goal contest, but Huffnagle responded with his second power-play tally, assisted by Houston Wilson.

The Thunder continued to battle, with Daniil Nikiforov converting on the man advantage to bring Stockton within one at 5-4. Fresno answered before the period concluded as Justin Daly scored on the power play, sending the Falcons into the second intermission holding a 6-4 advantage.

In the final period, Fresno shut down Stockton's comeback hopes.

Defenseman Carson Vance extended the advantage to three goals before Huffnagle completed his hat trick, with Iserhoff earning the assist, putting the finishing touches on an 8-4 victory.

Fresno controlled much of the offensive action throughout the evening, outshooting Stockton 19-9 in the opening period and 13-7 in the second. The Falcons finished with a 42-25 advantage in shots on goal.

Special teams were a major storyline, with both clubs recording three power-play goals. Fresno finished 3-for-11 with the man advantage, while Stockton converted three of its six opportunities.

Between the pipes, Roudebush earned the victory, stopping 21 of 25 shots. Augustine turned aside 34 shots for the Thunder.

The contest also featured a significant physical element, with the teams combining for 103 penalty minutes in a heated Central Valley rivalry matchup.

For Fresno, the victory provided another memorable evening at Selland Arena, combining offensive firepower, a spirited rivalry atmosphere, and the team's Día de los Muertos celebration.

BY THE NUMBERS

Final Score: Fresno Falcons 8, Stockton Thunder 4

Shots on Goal: Fresno 42, Stockton 25

Fresno Goal Scorers:

Aaron Huffnagle — 3

Noah Finstrom — 1

Austin Albrecht — 1

Wynston Iserhoff — 1

Justin Daly — 1

Carson Vance — 1

Goaltending: Austyn Roudebush — 21 saves, win

Power Play: Fresno 3-for-11; Stockton 3-for-6

Period Scoring: Fresno 3-3-2; Stockton 2-2-0

Falcons Double Up on Thunder

By Steve McCall

Fresno, CA - The Stockton Thunder suffered its first regulation time loss of the season, losing 8-4 to the Fresno Falcons Saturday night at Selland Arena in Fresno.

Fresno outscored the Thunder 3-2 in each of the first two periods, enjoying four different two goal leads. After Noah Finstrom and Austin Albrecht staked Fresno to a 2-0 lead in the first six and a half minutes, the Thunder tied the game on goals by Petr Panacek and Payton Jones. It would be the last time the Thunder would be even in the game.

Just 39 seconds later Wynston Iserhoff gave the Falcons a lead they would not relinquish. Early in the second period, Aaron Huffnagle scored the first of his goals, enroute to a hat trick. The Thunder cut the lead to 4-3 when Kenyon Carda deflected in a shot from Damon Furuseth. Huffnagle's second of the night restored the Falcons' two goal cushion. Midway through the period Daniel Nikiforov pulled the Thunder back within one before Justin Daly gave Fresno a 6-4 lead with just less than three minutes left in the second period.

Vance Carson gave Fresno it's biggest lead of the night before Huffnagle rounded out the scoring and his hat trick with three and a half minutes left.

The Thunder return home to Adventist Health Arena for a pair of games against the Baton Rouge Kingfish Friday and Saturday October 30 and 31.