Blaze Drop Decision in Wichita

Published on November 21, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Blaze, fueled by Mid-Illini Credit Union, slipped out of second place with a 5-1 loss on Wednesday night to the Wichita Thunder at Intrust Bank Arena.

The Thunder scored first as a Ryan Flanigan shot bounced wildly off a Blaze leg and into the net with 9:38 remaining in the first period.

Wichita increased the lead to 2-0 with 9:08 remaining in the middle period when Les Reaney skated free on a breakaway for a score assisted by Dave Inman. The Blaze answered just 1:16 later with 7:52 left when David Gilbert drove a one-timer glove side from the slot on feeds from Charlie Townsend and Tyler Gron. The Thunder scored on a long power play with 6:12 left in the second period to build their lead to 3-1 on a goal at the right post by Ian Lowe assisted by Kevin Young and Nathan Lutz.

Reaney increased the Thunder lead to 4-1 with 17:10 left in the third period on a rebound assisted by Erick Lizon and Travis Wight. The hosts increased the lead to 5-1 with 15:43 remaining in regulation on a drive from the left from RG Flath assisted by Inman.

Gerry Festa took the loss in net for the Blaze with 31 saves while Kevin Regan picked up the win with 24 stops. The Blaze were unsuccessful in two power play chances while the Thunder were 1-for-5.

The Blaze continue the holiday week filled with four games in five days with the final road contest of the week, a 7:05 p.m. Friday face-off at Tulsa. The game can be found on WJBC.com and CHL-TV and fans are invited to watch all road games at Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, 3002 Gill Street in Bloomington west of Airport Road. The Junior Blaze are also in action at U.S. Cellular Coliseum with games at 3 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Sunday against the Soo Firehawks.

The Blaze return home for games on Saturday and Sunday, beginning with a 7:05 p.m. Saturday puck drop against the Missouri Mavericks. Fans attending Saturday's game can receive a free hot dog and drink by printing a voucher found on the Blaze Facebook page or www.bloomingtonblaze.com and presenting it at the gate. Sunday's 4:05 p.m. face-off is against the Quad City Mallards, featuring a post-game skate with the players. Sunday is also a Casey's 8 Gallons Day, in which fans who purchase at least eight gallons of gasoline at area Casey's General Stores receive a voucher to get a ticket for only $8 to Sunday's game. For more information on the Blaze, visit www.bloomingtonblaze.com, Facebook and Twitter (BLMBlaze) or call 309-TC SPORTS (309-827-7678).

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Central Hockey League Stories from November 21, 2012


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