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Blackhawks Prospect Sent to Blaze Camp; Pre-Season Change Announced

October 8, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, fueled by Mid-Illini Credit Union, have opened training camp for the upcoming Central Hockey League season with the addition of a player from the Chicago Blackhawks organization.

David Gilbert (jil-BARE) has been sent to the Blaze by the Blackhawks and their American Hockey League affiliate Rockford IceHogs. The left-handed center was taken by the Blackhawks in the seventh round of the 2009 National Hockey League entry draft. Gilbert played in 28 games with the IceHogs last season, registering a goal and four assists for five points. The 21-year-old Gilbert is 6'2" and weighs 200 pounds, and is a native of Chateaugay, Quebec.

The Blaze have also announced that the Missouri Mavericks will now visit U.S. Cellular Coliseum this Friday at 7:05 p.m. for the Blaze's only home exhibition match. Tickets are $8 and $5 for season ticket holders. Saturday's scheduled pre-season road contest has been changed with the opponent and time to be determined.

Junior success: The Junior Blaze went 2-1 in their opening weekend on the road against the Soo Firehawks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. On Friday, the Blaze fell 6-2 as Kyler Schmor and Steven Smoltz recorded goals and Schmor added an assist. The Junior Blaze's first-ever win came in Saturday's 4-1 triumph behind a goal and two assists from Smoltz, a goal and an assist from Schmor and tallies from Joseph Clemente and Matt Donley plus 34 saves by Bobby Cook. The Junior Blaze wrapped up the weekend with a 4-3 shootout victory as Anton Thompson recorded the game-winner in the seventh round. Cody Phillips recorded a goal and two assists while Donley added three assists and Gavin Carlson earned the win in goal with 46 saves. The Junior Blaze travel to suburban Detroit this weekend for games Saturday and Sunday against the Michigan Ice Dogs.

Camping: The Blaze training camp continues with two sessions open to the public and media on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Fans and media may enter through the VIP entrance adjacent to the turnaround on the south side of U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

The Blaze open their second season at home on Friday, October 19 and Saturday, October 20 against the Rapid City Rush. Single-game tickets are on sale as are season, multi-game and group discount packages. For more information on the Blaze, call 309-434-2980 or visit on the web at www.bloomingtonblaze.com, Facebook and Twitter (BLMBlaze).

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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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