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Blaze Earn Revenge Sting Over Bees

February 25, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


HIDALGO, Texas - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, used a quick start and a strong defensive finish to earn a 3-2 win over the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Saturday night at State Farm Arena.

The Blaze dented the scoreboard first when Jordy Trottier collected his seventh goal from the right circle just 2:16 into the game, assisted by Luke Popko and Ryan Palmer. Dan Gendur tied the game with his fourth straight Bees goal against the Blaze with 1:49 left in the period when he took a pass at the right post and hit an open net.

Bloomington untied the contest with 16:50 left in the second when Bees goalie John Murray let a rebound slip in the crease, where Jason Dale tapped it into the open net assisted by Vladimir Nikiforov. Jerry Pollastrone cleaned up a rebound at the right post with 7:08 left in the second, assisted by Luke Popko and Vladimir Nikiforov, to put the Blaze up 3-1.

The Killer Bees cut the margin to 3-2 with a blast from the left point from Craig Lineker with 11:51 remaining in the third period. The Blaze sealed the win with a solid forecheck in the final minute to prevent the Bees from emptying their net for an extra attacker.

Brian Mahoney-Wilson earned the win in net for the Blaze with 24 saves. Bees goalie John Murray took the loss with 21 stops. Each team was given only one power play with no success.

The Blaze conclude the Texas portion of their road trip with a visit to Laredo Energy Arena for a 4:05 p.m. Sunday face-off against the Laredo Bucks. Pre-game on WJBC.com and CHL-TV is at 3:45. Fans are invited to watch the game at Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, 3002 Gill Street in Bloomington. The Blaze visit Fort Wayne on Wednesday night before returning home on Thursday against the Quad City Mallards and Friday against the Tulsa Oilers.

The Stanley Cup will welcome the Blaze home on Thursday, and fans are invited to see the historic trophy at Thursday's contest. A personal photo with the Cup is available for $5. The matchup against the Mallards is also Thirsty Thursday, with $2 Budweiser and Bud Light drafts. Friday is Country Financial Bobblehead Night, with Scorch bobbleheads going to the first 1,500 fans. Tickets and more information on Blaze hockey can be found at www.bloomingtonblaze.com, Twitter (BLMBlaze), Facebook or by calling 309-434-2980.

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