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Blaze Fall to Hot First-Place IceMen

January 27, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


EVANSVILLE, Indiana - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, gave up two goals early in the third period to open a close contest and fell to the first-place Evansville IceMen 5-2 on Friday night at the Ford Center.

Evansville struck first with 10:59 remaining in the opening when Nick Schneider tapped one in past the right post when the Blaze couldn't reach the puck to clear the slot. The Blaze evened the score at 1-1 with their fourth shorthanded goal of the season, started when Jason Dale broke up a play that ended with an easy tap at the far post by Travis Granbois. The IceMen converted on the same power play just 37 seconds later at 13:39 of the first period when Todd Robinson snuck one in from the left wing inside the left post, sending IceMen to the locker room at the first intermission with a 2-1 lead.

The IceMen pushed their advantage to 3-1 with 15:38 remaining in the middle period when Josh Beaulieu scored from the left wing. The Blaze cut the deficit to 3-2 going into the second intermission with a goal by Craig Cescon, who collected a rebound in the slot and scored his second goal of the season, assisted by Kyle Laughlin and Travis Granbois.

Evansville extended the lead with two quick early-third-period goals. Brian Bicek picked up a deflected puck in front of the Blaze net and scored with 14:49 left, then Mike Sgroi made it 5-2 just 52 seconds later with 13:57 remaining.

The Blaze outshot the IceMen 48-39 and were 0-for-5 on the power play. Evansville converted 1-for-4 with the man advantage. The IceMen are now 9-0-2 in their last 11 games since the new year.

The Blaze host the Rapid City Rush on Saturday and Monday for 7:05 p.m. face-offs each night. Saturday is Military Night, with $9 admission for military members with current identification, and the Blaze will wear special military-themed jerseys to be auctioned after the game. Also on Saturday, the first 1,500 fans will receive a puck with the Blaze inaugural season logo. Fans who buy tickets for Monday's game can, at the same time, buy the same number of tickets for the Tuesday, February 7 game against Evansville for only $1 each.

Group packages and eight-game Pyro Packs are still available. More information on the Blaze can be found on Facebook, Twitter (BLMBlaze), www.bloomingtonblaze.com or by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980.

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