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Blaze suffer first loss in overtime

October 28, 2011 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, could not hold onto a two-goal lead in the third period and fell in overtime on Friday night, 6-5 to the Quad City Mallards at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

Offenses ruled in the first period as the Blaze took a 3-2 lead into the first intermission. THe Mallards cracked the board first when former Bloomington player John Snowden whistled one in just 2:18 into the game. The Blaze answered just over a minute later, when Jason Dale fed a pass from his knees behind the net to Doug Krantz who beat Mallard goalie David McKee stick-side. Dale also made a solid pass on the go-ahead goal just over two minutes later, when he fed Aaron Dawson in the slot to put the Blaze up 2-1. The Mallards tied it again three minutes later at 8:46 when Jason Kostadine dropped one in over the shoulder of Blaze goalie Zane Kalemba. The Blaze entered the intermission with the lead after Mike Zbriger tallied from the right circle with 9:36 left in the period.

After a scoreless second period, the offenses heated up again in the third. Quad City tied the game 8:27 into the third period on a goal by Sean Flanagan, but the Blaze tied the contest just 12 seconds later on Aaron Dawson's second goal of the night. The Blaze cushioned the lead to 5-3 just past the halfway point of the third period when Kyle Laughlin blocked a shot, started an odd-man rush and buried his own rebound.

The Mallards would tie the game with goals less than three minutes apart late in the final period. Brandon Marino lit the lamp with 6:06 remaining, and John Snowden tied the game with another blast from the slot with 3:35 left. Eric Giosa scored the game-winner when he cleaned up a rebound in his own end and skated to the high slot to score.

Jason Dale led the Blaze with three assists, while Brodie Sheahan recorded two helpers. The Mallards outshot the Blaze 58-30, as Kalemba took the loss in net despite making 52 saves.

The Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, host the Mallards in a rematch on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. It's Bobak's Sausage Free Food Night, when everyone in attendance receives a free hot dog, chips and drink courtesy of Bobak's, Kitchen Cooked Potato Chips and Pepsi. Tickets are available at the Coliseum box office or by calling 309-434-2980.

The Blaze continue the season-opening homestand next Friday and Saturday. Friday's contest is Penny Pincher Date Night, with one free reserved ticket with the purchase of one, plus with the purchase of any combo meal, the second one of equal or lesser value is free. On Saturday, November 5, the Blaze will host the largest giveaway in the history of U.S. Cellular Coliseum as Extreme Motors presents the "Great Car Giveaway Night," when one lucky fan will drive away in a brand new $17,000 2012 Hyundai Accent. The Blaze will also host a Clare House Food Drive, when fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the game, and in thanks, fans can receive one entry into the car giveaway for each food item donated, up to five additional entries. No purchase is necessary, and the Coliseum box office and www.uscellularcoliseum.com have official rules. For tickets, call 309-434-2980.



Central Hockey League Stories from October 28, 2011


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