Danbury Arena Launches the Area’s Premier Youth Hockey Training Program

The elite youth hockey experience includes boys and girls travel teams and clinics, staffed by highly experienced, professional coaches.

Building on the successes of its existing youth hockey offerings, Danbury Arena is excited to announce the launch of its elite-level youth Travel Hockey teams for both boys and girls.

Entering the upcoming 2023-24 season, the Hat Tricks Hickey will be fielding full and split-season teams at the 8U, 10U,12U,16U, and 18U levels. All teams will compete and play out of Danbury Ice Arena.

As part of Hat Tricks Hockey, members and their families joining will join the greater Danbury Hockey family with the best in instruction and skill development. 

“We are thrilled to add this premier travel team to our roster of programming for young hockey players in the region,” said Danbury Arena Travel Hockey Director Lou Pedatella. “Our world-class training facility, coaches, and staff give us the ability to offer an unmatched experience for player development and competitive exposure.”

Pedatella, a long-time hockey coach, was recently hired to oversee the Danbury Youth Hat Tricks program and has vast experience including acting as the NY Rangers Youth Hockey lead instructor since 2016. Throughout his career, he has helped orchestrate five national champion bids and three state championships, placing more than 30 players in the NCAA and in prep-school programs.

The Youth Hat Tricks have also enlisted Mark Cardillo as Program Director and Matyas Kasek as Head Skills Coach and Head Coach of the 10U and 12U teams. Cardillo boasts 20 years of hockey experience and has built a top-tier youth hockey program that produced multiple DVHL and National Championship teams. He’s also a former ice-rink owner who understands the importance of customer service and player development at all ages and levels. Kasek, a 2019-2020 team member and first-round pick for the 2020-2021 FPHL Hat Tricks team, is known for his exceptional skills in mentoring the next generation of players. He also helped develop Danbury Arena’s LTS, camps, and clinics.

“Our players will thrive under the expert knowledge and experience that Mark and Matyas bring as coaches and hockey directors. We’re excited to begin building a fun and competitive program that will elevate the level of hockey available to area players, fans, and families,” said Pedatella.

Visit danburyice.com tryout dates and registration beginning in March.