The boss is back and he’s ready to clean up the trash.
AJ Galante, known for his involvement with the mob-affiliated pro hockey team featured on Netflix, has returned to the hockey scene as the general manager of the Danbury Hat Tricks, an entry-level professional team located in Connecticut.
“I believe there’s still a place in the game for toughness,” Galante, 38, told The Post.
“Intimidation never goes out of style, man, and you when you have that you have that X factor.”
In 2021, the tale of how Galante’s father, Jimmy, appointed his son as the general manager of the Danbury Trashers, named after their family’s waste management business, gained Netflix fame.
The documentary details how Trashers players received star treatment akin to major league athletes, complete with “no-show jobs” and off-the-books payments — until the FBI launched an investigation into the operations.
In June 2008, Galante Sr. admitted to charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and defrauding the Internal Revenue Service.
He was also forced to forfeit interest in 25 different garbage-related businesses, estimated to be worth more than $100 million.
Galante Sr. was released in 2014 after serving a seven-year sentence.
“It was a sad day when the Trashers folded, but the legacy still lives on, and I’m excited to build on that history with the Hat Tricks,” said the younger Galante, now a married father of two.
Following the release of the Netflix film, demand grew for Danbury Trashers jerseys, with even rappers like Drake and Fabolous spotted wearing the team’s sweater, which features demonic eyes peeking out of a trash can.
Since then, Galante has run a Danbury boxing gym, helped develop a UFC-style hockey fight circuit called Ice Wars, and most recently served as the Hat Tricks’ senior advisor to the previous general manager.
The Hat Tricks, who are members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, open their season on Oct.10 at Danbury Arena.
“It’s going to be the 20 years later movie sequel,” said Galante.
“I’m giving it my all.”
While Galante won’t shy away from the on-ice toughness that made the Danbury Trashers famous, he says he wants to focus on winning.
“I know what the fans here are starving for, and we want to bring the toughness back,” Galante says.
“At the same time, if we’re not winning, it means nothing.”
