DANBURY, Conn. —  The Danbury Hat Tricks are throwing their hat into the ring of AYHL competition for the 2024-2025 hockey season with the initiation of their academy program designed to help youth players progress to NAHL and NCAA competition.

For the first season, the Hat Tricks are planning to field teams at the 14U, 15-Only, 16U and 18U levels. “This is an exciting moment for our program and our community,” said Hat Tricks Director of Hockey Operations Billy McCreary. "Providing players an opportunity to pursue their athletic and academic goals has always been a focus for our organization.”

The Hat Tricks grow the league’s existing footprint of 15 member associations with strong records of helping players advance to junior, college and professional hockey. “The addition of the Hat Tricks Academy will provide a strong development opportunity for aspiring NCAA athletes,” continued McCreary. “The Danbury Hat Tricks are committed to growing the game in our local area and we are excited to continue our growth under the North American Hockey League, the NAPHL and the AYHL which has grown into one of the more competitive youth leagues in the country.”