Blaze Hold off Division-Leading Komets

Published on February 12, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, defeated the Turner Conference-leading Fort Wayne for the third straight time with a 4-3 decision on Sunday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

A Blaze power play goal at 5:40 of the opening period opened the scoring when Vladimir Nikiforov scored from the lower right wing on assists from Kyle Laughlin and Mark Znutas.

The Blaze opened up the lead to 2-0 just 1:45 into the second period when Travis Granbois walked in on a short breakaway for his sixth goal, assisted by Jerry Pollastrone. The Komets broke through with 8:07 left in the middle period when Colin Chaulk completed a two-on-one with a slap shot from the right circle to cut the Blaze lead to 2-1.

Bloomington increased the lead to 3-1 with 7:22 left on a shorthanded unassisted goal by Jason Dale, but the Komets answered just 31 seconds later to shorten the Blaze lead to 3-2 with a slap shot by Jamie Lovell from the high slot. The Blaze regained a two-goal lead less than two minutes later with 5:07 left in regulation when Travis Granbois collected his second goal of the game on a redirect of an Omar Pacha drive, with the second assist going to Jon Booras. The Komets again drew to within striking distance with 1:32 left when Jamie Milam connected from the high slot on an extra-attacker, power play goal, but the Blaze held the Komets off the scoreboard for the remainder of regulation to seal the win.

The Blaze outshot the Komets 32-25, as Brian Mahoney-Wilson improved to 3-3-1 with his 22-save effort. Fort Wayne goaltender Nick Boucher recorded 28 saves to fall to 26-10-1. The Blaze were 1-for 8 on the power play while Fort Wayne was 1-for-5 with a man advantage. The Blaze are now 4-3-0 against the Komets.

The Blaze host the rematch with the Komets on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. on a Two for Tuesday, with two bowl tickets for $14 and $2 hot dogs, popcorn and Pepsi products through the entire evening. More information can be found at www.bloomingtonblaze.com, Facebook, Twitter (BLMBlaze) or by calling 309-434-2980. All Blaze games can be heard on WJBC.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 12, 2012


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