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Blaze Battle to Shootout Win in Dayton

March 10, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


DAYTON, Ohio - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, surrendered a two-goal lead but recovered for a 3-2 shootout win over the Dayton Gems on Saturday night at Hara Arena.

The Blaze struck first with 3:53 left in the opening period when Vladimir Nikiforov redirected a Craig Cescon shot from the right point, with the second assist given to Kyle Laughlin, for the only scoring in the first chapter.

Jon Booras added to his team goal-scoring lead by diving for a rebound and poking it home for his 23rd goal, with assists given to Mark Znutas and Brandon Richardson, to put the Blaze ahead 2-0 with 8:46 remaining in the second period.

The Gems cut the Blaze lead to 2-1 when Matthew Larke scored from the left circle shortly after a Blaze turnover with 11:24 remaining in regulation. Dayton evened the game at 2-2 with 2:39 left when Damien Surma went top shelf from the slot on the power play to force overtime.

After a scoreless overtime, Vladimir Nikiforov, Kyle Laughlin and Jon Booras all scored for the Blaze while their netminder, Zane Kalemba, held off all three Gems shooters to pick up the win. The Blaze are now tied with the Gems for sixth place in the Turner Conference standings.

Kalemba earned his fourth straight win in net, while Larry Sterling took the loss. The Blaze outshot the Gems 35-29.

The Blaze return home for their final three games of the season at U.S. Cellular Coliseum next week on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Wednesday matchup against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees is Ladies Night presented by Fox and Hounds with half-price tickets for the ladies. On Friday, the Missouri Mavericks visit with fleece blankets given to the first 1,200 fans compliments of Mid-Illini Credit Union, plus Friday is a Pepsi Date Night, when fans who bring a Pepsi product to the box office when buying a reserved seat ticket receive a second seat free, and combo meals are priced two-for-one. Saturday against the Dayton Gems is Fan Appreciation Night with a giant St. Patrick's Day party including green beer and special Irish jerseys worn by the Blaze and auctioned immediately after the game.



Central Hockey League Stories from March 10, 2012


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