Blaze Drop Overtime Battle in Fort Wayne

Published on February 29, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


FORT WAYNE, Indiana - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, battled another back-and-forth affair but lost to the Fort Wayne Komets 4-3 in overtime on Wednesday night at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.

The Blaze struck first on a power play goal with 14:03 remaining in the opening period when Jason Dale redirected an Aaron Dawson shot from the high slot, with the second assist given to Kyle Laughlin. The Komets converted their first power play with 3:37 left in the opening frame when Chris Auger put in a rebound from the right post. Fort Wayne was given another power play late in the period, and Auger again converted a rebound on a loose puck near the left post to send the K's into the first intermission with a 2-1 lead.

Bloomington fired two goals in 50 seconds to regain the lead late in the third period. Omar Pacha collected a power play goal with 6:56 left from the left point, assisted by Doug Krantz and Kyle Laughlin on the power play. The Blaze earned the lead with 6:06 left when Jordy Trottier ran to the deep slot and lifted the puck home, with assists to Brandon Richardson and Jon Booras. The Komets tied the game back at 3-3 when Leo Thomas collected a rebound with 3:49 remaining.

The Komets picked up the win when Jean-Michel Rizk crashed the net and tipped in a pass just before knocking the net off its moorings at the 2:33 mark of overtime. Blaze goaltender Zane Kalemba took the loss despite a 49-save night. Komet goaltender Gerry Festa picked up the win with 35 saves. Each team was 2-for-5 on the power play. The Blaze end the season series with a 5-5-1 record against the Komets.

The Blaze return to U.S. Cellular Coliseum for home games on Thursday and Friday at 7:05 p.m. each night, beginning with the Stanley Cup's visit to Bloomington on Thursday. Fans attending the contest against the Quad City Mallards can see North America's oldest professional sports trophy up close, and have a personal photo taken with the Cup for only $5. It's also Thirsty Thursday, with $2 Budweiser and Bud Light drafts.

On Friday, the Tulsa Oilers visit Bloomington for the final time this season, and the first 1,500 fans will receive a Scorch mascot bobblehead compliments of Country Financial. Friday is another Pepsi Date Night, when fans who bring a Pepsi product to the box office when purchasing a reserved seat ticket receive a second ticket free, and combo meals are priced two for one.

Like the Blaze on Facebook and follow the team on Twitter (BLMBlaze) for more information, or go online to www.bloomingtonblaze.com and call 309-434-2980 for more information. Group discounts are available for the remaining five home games. All games can be heard on WJBC.com, and can be heard inside U.S. Cellular Coliseum on 93.7 FM.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 29, 2012


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