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Bloomington Blaze Head Coach Jason Christie Resigns

August 23, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL) - Bloomington Blaze News Release


Bloomington Blaze Head Coach Jason Christie has submitted his resignation with the team to accept a head coaching position in the ECHL. Jason will be taking over the coaching duties with the Ontario Reign, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings located in Ontario, California.

Christie leaves the Bloomington area after leading the former Bloomington PrairieThunder to the Central Hockey League playoffs in the 2010-11 season with a record of 37-22-7 and a third place finish in the CHL's Turner Conference. For his efforts, Jason was named CHL Coach of the Year.

"It's a great opportunity in California, but it will be very hard to leave here," said Jason Christie. "I want to thank the fans, the media, and my many friends in the area for their support."

Bloomington Blaze owner Gary DelBuono said this afternoon, "We thank Jason for his efforts to date and wish him all the best with his new position. We have already begun a national search to find Jason's replacement and expect to move quickly to fill the position."

Bloomington Blaze Appearances This Week

Bloomington Blaze staff will be out and about this week at three separate events on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening. The events on Thursday and Friday evening will give fans a final chance to say goodbye to Jason Christie.

On Thursday night (August 25th), Jason Christie and members of the Blaze staff will be a part of "Hockey Night" at the Peoria Chiefs Baseball Game. Jason Christie will throw out the first pitch of the game and Blaze staff will be in attendance to hand out Bloomington Blaze schedule and ticket information. Chicago Blackhawks Hall of Famer Denis Savard will also be in attendance. Game time is 6:30pm at O'Brien Field located at 730 SW Jefferson in downtown Peoria.

On Friday night (August 26th), Jason Christie will make a return appearance at this year's Bruegala Beer Festival. This year's festival will be held at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Bloomington, Illinois. Jason Christie will serve as a celebrity beer server.

And on Saturday evening (August 27th), Bloomington Blaze Community Relations Director, Mallory Toliver, will be one of the "Celebrity Singers" at this year's "Make-a-Wish Celebrity Sing for Wishes" which will be held from 6pm to 10pm at the Gill Street Sports Bar & Restaurant, located at 3002 Gill Street in Bloomington. To support Mallory, please donate by visiting the event's website: www.singforwishes.com

The new Bloomington Blaze will be playing in the fourteen team Central Hockey League beginning in October, 2011. Bloomington will be in the league's Turner (Northern) Conference along with the Fort Wayne Komets, Dayton Gems, Quad City Mallards, Missouri Mavericks, Rapid City Rush, and Evansville IceMen.

2011-2012 season tickets, group tickets and sponsorships are now available by calling the Blaze at 309-434-2980. Our new offices are located inside the U.S. Cellular Coliseum, located at 101 S. Madison Street in downtown Bloomington.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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