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Blaze Ready for Weekend Games, Concert

January 17, 2013 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, fueled by Mid-Illini Credit Union, begin a three-game homestand with a pair of weekend games plus a concert by a popular local band.

The Blaze host the Denver Cutthroats on Friday followed by the first meeting of the season on Saturday with the Fort Worth Brahmas. Saturday's game features an appearance by local band Brushfire, which has recently won a competition in Nashville. Brushfire will perform the national anthem and an hour-long set after the game in the arena with the game and the concert included in the same ticket.

Bloomington enters the weekend in a sixth-place tie with 39 points on a record of 19-15-1. The expansion Cutthroats defeated the Blaze 5-1 in the only other meeting between the clubs on November 28 at Denver Coliseum. The Cutthroats are on a 15-day road trip and have not played at home since December 29, and won't play at Denver Coliseum until they host the Blaze on February 1 and 2. The Cutthroats are led by A.J. Gale with 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) and Brad Smyth with 43 points (16 goals, 27 assists). Gale and Smyth are third and fourth respectively in Central Hockey League scoring. Blaze leader Jon Booras (17 goals, 31 assists, 48 points) is second in league scoring. The Cutthroats are 19-13-4 for 42 points, three points ahead of the Blaze, and are tied for fourth in the Berry Conference standings.

The Blaze are 0-1-1 against the Brahmas with both previous meetings held in November of last season in Texas. Former Bloomington skater John Snowden has tallied 11 goals and 8 assists for 19 points in 12 games since joining the Brahmas after beginning the season in Rapid City. Tomas Klempa has registered 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points with Fort Worth. The Brahmas enter the weekend in third place with a record of 20-13-4 for 44 points, one point behind second-place Wichita and seven points behind first-place Allen.

A shorter Blaze roster will skate this weekend after three defections to the ECHL. Defenseman Tysen Dowzak was signed away by Utah; Dowzak recorded a goal and eight assists with 62 penalty minutes in 30 games. Forward Sebastien Trudeau also has moved to the ECHL after registering 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points, which was fourth among CHL rookies. Orlando signed away defenseman Jesse Dudas last week; Dudas was leading CHL defensemen with 31 points. Forwards David Gilbert and Jay Barriball were recalled to American Hockey League clubs last week.

The Junior Blaze also host three games this weekend against the Holland River Bandits. Face-off times are 3 p.m. Friday, 3:30 p.m. Saturday after the Illinois State University hockey game and 11 a.m. Sunday. Admission to the Sunday game is $5 while the Friday and Saturday junior games are included in the Blaze ticket.

For gameday and single-game tickets, visit the U.S. Cellular Coliseum box office on the east side of the building or call 309-434-2679. For group and multi-game discounts and general questions about the Blaze, call 309-TC SPORT (827-7678) or visit Facebook, Twitter (BLMBlaze) and www.bloomingtonblaze.com.

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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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