Blaze Fall in Penalty-Filled Affair

November 25, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, gave up four power play goals and a shorthanded tally while losing 6-2 on Friday night to the Dayton Gems at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

The Blaze scored first on Jason Dale's second goal of the season, assisted by Kyle Laughlin, just 4:14 into the game. The Blaze could not hold that lead into the intermission as the Gems scored with only seven seconds remaining in the opening period on a goal by Damien Surma.

The Gems took the lead in the second period on two power play goals from Brandon Naurato, one nearly five minutes into the period and the second with 2:32 remaining. Aaron Dawson connected on the Blaze power play with 1:03 left in the middle period to cut the Gems lead to 3-2 at the second intermission.

Dayton scored three more times in the third period to put the game out of reach. Nick Fanto scored a shorthanded goal with 6:45 remaining, followed by a power play goal by Ben Winnett with 2:22 left and a Nic Polaski goal just 21 seconds later for the final score of 6-2.

The game ended with fireworks in the final minute, with 42 minutes in penalties handed to the Blaze and 25 minutes given to the Gems after a series of altercations. A total of 101 penalty minutes were imposed on the night, with 62 handed to Bloomington. The Gems were 4-of-11 on the power play, while the Blaze were 1-of-6.

The Gems improved to 6-4-4 as the Blaze fall for the 12th straight game and drop to 1-10-2. Dayton outshot Bloomington 39-36. Gems goaltender Larry Sterling improves to 2-0 witha 34-save night, with both wins over Bloomington. Blaze goalie Marco Emond made 33 saves to fall to 0-8-1.

The Blaze remain at home on Saturday night in their only meeting of the season against the Allen Americans. Face-off is at 7:05 p.m. Black Friday specials continue for the Saturday night contest at U.S. Cellular Coliseum, with $14 tickets available for $7 and $2 beers and hot dogs are available all night. Tickets and more information are available from the Blaze office at 309-434-2980.



Central Hockey League Stories from November 25, 2011


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