Blaze Break Skid by Toppling CHL-Leading Americans
November 26, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release
BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, broke their 12-game winless skid in thrilling fashion against the Central Hockey League-leading Allen Americans, winning 4-3 on Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
The contest was scoreless until the Blaze broke on top with a goal by Kyle Laughlin, assisted by Jason Dale, with 12:24 remaining in the second period. The Americans responded with three straight goals in the third period from Keith Johnson just 1:21 into the period, Brian McMillin with 12:00 left and Nick Layton with 5:45 remaining. Bloomington blazed back with three goals of their own, beginning with Mike Zbriger's unassisted goal just 13 seconds after Allen's third goal. Mark Znutas tied the game with 2:49 left with assists from Zbriger and Matt Whitehead, and Jon Booras drove home the game winner with 2:00 left on a power play goal assisted by Znutas and newcomer Vladimir Nikiforov. The Blaze held off an Allen surge with an extra attacker for the final minute to seal the win.
Zane Kalemba took the win in goal with 32 saves. Americans goalie James Reid took the loss while making 29 saves. The Blaze are now 2-10-2 while Allen falls to 9-3-3.
The Blaze resume action on Thursday evening on home ice at U.S. Cellular Coliseum when they host the Evansville IceMen. It's the season's first Thirsty Thursday, featuring Budweiser and Pepsi products for only $2. Face-off is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Tickets and more information are available by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980.
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Central Hockey League Stories from November 26, 2011
- Brahmas Lose Heartbreaker 4-3 in Laredo - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Missouri Slips Past Mallards 2-1 - Quad City Mallards
- Bucks Win Second Straight Game - Laredo Bucks
- Mavericks, Effinger Beat Mallards, 2-1 - Kansas City Mavericks
- Thunder Moves into First Place with 4-0 Win Vs Tulsa - Wichita Thunder
- Blaze Break Skid by Toppling CHL-Leading Americans - Bloomington Blaze
- Oilers Drop Second Straight to Wichita - Tulsa Oilers
- Gems Fall to Komets 5-2 on Saturday Night - Dayton Gems
- Bucks Add to Offense - Laredo Bucks
- Americans Tame the Mavericks 4-1 - Allen Americans
- Wichita Beats Tulsa in McClelland's 400th CHL Game - Wichita Thunder
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