The Danbury Hat Tricks are officially your 2023 FPHL Commissioners Cup Champions. I’ll sum up game five against the Carolina Thunderbirds and then share exclusive interviews with some champions from throughout the playoffs.
Michael Marchesan scored not even a minute into the first period, giving the Hat Tricks an early lead. Josh Keopplinger tied it up 1-1 at the end of the period. Five penalties were given out, with 10 minutes total in the box. Shots were 19-9 in favor of the Birds after 20 minutes.
Tobias Odjick scored the only goal in period two on a power play. Tucker Forth got a major penalty and game misconduct for an illegal check to the head of Danbury’s captain Johnny Ruiz. 2-1 Danbury after 40, Carolina led the shots 25-17.
The Thunderbirds tied the game halfway through the period on a power play after Brendan Sheehan received a five-minute major for boarding. Game tied at two after three periods.
Marchesan scored his second goal of the night, assisted by Xavier Abdella. His goal at 11:58 brought the Danbury Hat Tricks to victory.
He said the previous night that the Thunderbirds had to come through Danbury and that no one could do that, especially with the home team’s success, and he was right. He was named MVP of the Commissioner’s Cup Playoffs, with eight goals and five assists in just ten games in this playoff season.
Zach Pamaylaon, with the game-winning goal in game four, commented on his motivation when getting on the ice, especially during playoffs. “I gotta thank God for this. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. Other than that, it’s my family, my parents specifically. My teammates and the coaching staff we’re all a huge family… I’d do anything for my rabbit family.” The Flying Hawaiian’s first act after winning was to call his mom and tell her the great news.
An impressive two game-winning goals for Brendan Dowler in this playoff season, he has the series-clinching goal in round 2 against the Binghampton Blackbears and game 3 of the finals against Carolina, keeping the Hat Tricks from getting swept. After that game 3, Dowler was definitely feeling the good energy and talked about that thrilling second-period goal. “At the time, you don’t know if it’s going to be the game-winner or not… It’s awesome no matter who gets it; it’s a great feeling.”
For the first time in franchise history, the Danbury Hat Tricks collected their first Commissioner’s Cup and claimed the title of FPHL champions. They have had an incredible season, leading the league in 44 wins for most of the regular season.
This season is only Danbury’s third in the FPHL, and they’re already making an impact. They have what it takes to make it in this league, and they will prove that again, as they have these past seven months. They are here to play their game the Danbury way, and everyone better watch out.
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