Blaze Drop Hard-Fought Affair in Evansville

Published on December 11, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


EVANSVILLE, Indiana - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, dropped a close, hard-fought contest to the division-leading Evansville IceMen 2-1 on Sunday at the Ford Center.

Evansville opened the scoring nearly eight minutes into the contest when Brian Bicek snapped one in from the left wing. The Blaze answered with the seventh goal of the season from Vladimir Nikiforov with 7:58 left in the first period when he slapped a blast from the right circle assisted by Brodie Sheahan.

After a scoreless second period, the IceMen broke the tie with 5:26 gone in the final chapter when Matt Pierce scored his fifth goal of the season. The Blaze emptied the net for an extra attacker in the final minute, and despite several flurries, could not muster a tying goal.

Both teams put 30 shots on net. Zane Kalemba took the loss with 28 saves, while Pier-Olivier Pelletier earned the victory with 29 saves. The Blaze fall to 5-13-2 and 1-3-0 against the IceMen. Evansville stays on top of the Central Hockey League's Turner Conference with a record of 13-5-1.

The Blaze return home this Friday and Saturday to face the Dayton Gems both nights at 7:05 at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Friday is another Pepsi Date Night; fans who bring a Pepsi product to the Coliseum box office to buy a ticket receive a second ticket free, and with the purchase of any combo meal, a second of equal or lesser value is free. After the home contests on Friday and Saturday, the Blaze will face the Gems on Sunday in Dayton. Ticket packages and group rates are available for all Blaze home games, and more information is available by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 11, 2011


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