Blaze Drop Shootout in Dayton

Published on February 18, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


DAYTON, Ohio - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, surrendered an early lead and lost their fourth straight shootout, 3-2 to the Dayton Gems on Saturday night at Hara Arena.

Bloomington entered the scoring column first as Kyle Laughlin extended his team lead in goals with his 18th tally, a rebound wraparound inside the right post, assisted by Luke Popko, with 9:21 remaining for the only goal of the first period.

The Blaze opened up a 2-0 lead when Aaron Dawson scored on a perfect pass at the top of the crease from Kyle Laughlin, with the second assist given to Mark Znutas, with 18:07 left in the middle chapter. The Gems broke onto the scoreboard just over three minutes later with 15:04 left when Brett Lutes skated in on the right side and scored after a deke to cut the Blaze lead to 2-1 going into the second intermission.

The Gems tied the game when the Blaze couldn't clear deep in their zone, and the errant clearance landed on the stick of Brandon Naurato, who whistled in the tying goal from the right circle with 8:15 remaining in regulation.

After a scoreless overtime, the Gems collected the only goal of the shootout with the first shooter, Tim Hartung. Zane Kalemba took the loss for the Blaze despite making 50 saves, and Dan Dunn earned the win in his first appearance in net for the Gems with 41 saves plus all five stops in the shootout. The Gems are now two points ahead of the Blaze in sixth place in the Turner Conference standings.

The Blaze complete the weekend with a home contest on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. against the Fort Wayne Komets, two days after the teams battled an intense and physical affair won by the Blaze 5-4 in Fort Wayne. Sunday is Kitchen Cooked Family Day, with $5 admission for children 12 and under and $3 kids meals of a hot dog, popcorn and drink. All fans are invited to skate with the players after the game. The game broadcast can be found at WJBC.com and CHL-TV, and inside U.S. Cellular Coliseum on 93.7 FM.

Group packages are available for the remaining six home games by calling 309-434-2980. More information can also be found on Facebook, Twitter (BLMBlaze) and at www.bloomingtonblaze.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2012


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