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

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).

Tickets for all Twin City Thunderbirds regular season home games at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at tcbirds.com, wsfairgrounds.com, ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena Box Office at (336) 774-8880. For Season Ticket and Group Ticket information, contact Holli Carmin at (336) 774-8882 or hcarmin@tcbirds.hockey.