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Blaze Host Important Matchups Thursday and Friday

February 27, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, fueled by Mid-Illini Credit Union, host games on Thursday and Friday that have important implications on the Central Hockey League post-season.

The Blaze host their closest rival, the Quad City Mallards, on Thursday for a 7:05 p.m. face-off. The squads are tied for the eighth and final playoff spot with only 14 games remaining, six of which will pit the teams against each other. The Blaze are 7-5-0 against the Mallards this season, winning the most recent matchup in Moline 4-1 on February 12. The Blaze are 9-10-2 all-time against the Flock. Jon Booras leads the Blaze in scoring with 67 points (24 goals, 43 assists) and leads the team against Quad City with five goals and 11 assists for 16 points. The Mallards are led by Mickey Lang with 64 points (29 goals, 35 assists) while rookie Mike Hellyer leads the Flock against the Blaze with six goals and 11 assists for 17 points.

The Blaze then host the second-place Fort Worth Brahmas on Friday at 7:05 p.m. The Blaze are 1-0-1 against the Brahmas this season, winning 3-1 in Bloomington on January 19 and picking up a point in a 5-4 shootout loss on January 25 in Texas. The Blaze then complete their stretch of three games in three days with a quick trip to Wichita to face the third-place Thunder on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

The Bloomington roster, severely hampered by injuries, will welcome forward Leo Thomas back to the lineup after the completion of a suspension. The Blaze have signed forward Sean O'Connor, a sixth-year pro with extensive AA experience, but forwards Nicklas Lindberg and Matthew Larke are doubtful for this weekend while forward Jared Walker and defenseman Aaron Dawson are questionable.

Thursday's game against the Mallards is College Night featuring $5 admission with student identification and free admission to Six Strings in downtown Bloomington after the game.

Blaze games are live on 93.7 FM in U.S. Cellular Coliseum and on WJBC.com and CHL-TV, with links to the online broadcasts found at www.bloomingtonblaze.com. More information on the team is also available on Facebook and Twitter (BLMBlaze). For tickets, visit the U.S. Cellular Coliseum box office weekdays from 11 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. or call 309-434-2679.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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