Blaze Battle to 3-1 Home Win Over Oilers

March 2, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, held off a late charge and earned a 3-1 triumph over the Tulsa Oilers on Friday night at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

The Blaze opened the scoring with 11:31 left in the second period when Omar Pacha whisted a wrister from the left point that was redirected in the net by Brandon Richardson, with the second assist given to Vladimir Nikiforov. The Oilers countered with 5:15 remaining in the middle period when Troy Ofukany poked a rebound in from the right side on a power play.

Bloomington regained the lead on a power play goal just 1:44 into the third period when Jon Booras took a pass from behind the net from Jerry Pollastrone and slapped the puck inside the left. Luke Popko earned the second assist.

The Oilers emptied their net with 1:31 left in regulation when they were given a power play, but Jerry Pollastrone sealed the victory with a shorthanded empty net goal with just under 19 seconds remaining, assisted by Jason Dale.

Zane Kalemba earned the win in the Blaze net with 30 saves. Ian Keserich sustained the loss with 41 saves. The Oilers were 1-for-5 on the power play, while the Blaze were 1-for-7 with the man advantage.

The Blaze take Saturday off before finishing the grueling seven-game-in-ten-day stretch at division-leading Evansville at 5 p.m. Sunday. The game can be heard on WJBC.com and CHL-TV, and fans are welcome to watch the game at Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, 3002 Gill Street in Bloomington. The Blaze return to action next weekend for contests on Friday and Saturday at Dayton before returning home the following week for the final three games of the season at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The Blaze host Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday, March 14 on Ladies Night, with half-price tickets for all ladies. More information on Blaze hockey can be found at www.bloomingtonblaze.com, Facebook and Twitter (BLMBlaze) or by calling 309-434-2980.



Central Hockey League Stories from March 2, 2012


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