Blaze Stay Hot, Go 3 and 0 on Weekend
Published on November 2, 2009 under All American Hockey League (AAHL)
Chicago Blaze News Release
Kenneth Oda, chicagoblazehockey.com / Rolling Meadows, IL The Chicago Blaze stayed hot and on top as they won three weekend games defeating the ChiTown Shooters 4 -3 Friday night, the Madison Ice Muskies 7-4 on Saturday night, both games at the West Meadows Ice Arena and the Evansville Icemen Sunday in Evansille. The Blaze improved their record to 5-0-0 with the win Sunday and are alone on top of the AAHL standings. Team owner Aaron Mattey said "it is important to get off to the hot start because we only have three home games in November."
After a six hour bus ride Sunday, the Blaze were playing their third game in three nights and it showed as they gave the Ice Men 10 power play opportunities. Back-up goaltender Jon Smarsh was the story of the game as his stellar play kept Chicago in the game long enough to win it in the shootout. T.J. Schneider and Pat Lee scored in the shootout to give the Blaze the 5-4 win.
The Blaze continued their trend of having strong third periods. So far 5 games this year the Blaze have eight third period goals. Defenseman Mark Hammersmith believes "we are a third period team, none of us give up." Meanwhile Kyle Thompson credits the team's training camp for giving the Blaze "superior conditioning." Whatever the reason for the Blaze strong third periods they have propelled Chicago to an undefeated start and on top of the AAHL standings.
The victories for the Blaze were impressive because of the heart the Blaze showed. For the most part the Ice Men out played the Blaze Sunday, however the Blaze earned the two points in the standings. Blaze owner Aaron Mattey's one word reaction to the win perfectly sums up how impressive the victory was "WOW!"
Notes: Several fans attended the game in costume Saturday to celebrate Halloween. Pat Lee scored his seventh goal of the season and has at least one in each of Chicago's games. Arik Lebda went toe-to-toe with Ryan Ford Sunday in Evansville after Ford took exception to a clean hit by Lebda. The Blaze are in first place with 10 points and a 5-0-0 record. The next Blaze home game is Friday November 20 at 7:25 P.M. at West Meadows Arena.
All American Hockey League Stories from November 2, 2009
- Blaze Stay Hot, Go 3 and 0 on Weekend - Chicago Blaze
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