Blaze Top Oilers for Fourth Straight Home Win

Published on December 10, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


BLOOMINGTON - The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illni Credit Union, won their second consecutive game and their fourth straigh home contest with a 4-2 victory over the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday night at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

The Blaze brought the stuffed animals onto the ice early for the annual Teddy Bear Toss for Toys for Tots, opening the scoring just 2:13 into the game when Chris Chambers poked home a rebound on a flurry in front of the net for his first goal of the season, assisted by Luke Popko and Craig Cescon. The lamp-lighter was the only score of the opening period, as the Blaze enjoyed a 1-0 lead at the first intermission.

Bloomington quickly made it 2-0 just 37 seconds into the second period when Jon Booras converted on a pass from the deep right wing from Brodie Sheahan, with the second assist going to Vladimir Nikiforov. The Oilers cut the deficit back to 2-1 nearly two minutes later on a power play goal by Michel Beausoleil after a flurry in front of the net. The Oilers tied the game at 2-2 with 10:44 left in the second chapter when Ryan Raven deflected a snap from the left point. Jon Booras gave the Blaze a 3-2 lead on his second goal of the night, from the left wing on a pass from Vladimir Nikiforov, with the second assist given to Brodie Sheahan with 9:29 left in the second period.

The Blaze continued with the one-goal lead until the Oilers emptied their net for an extra attacker with just under 90 seconds left, but Jason Dale found the empty goal with one minute remaining for the final score. Jon Booras earned the assist for his third point of the night to add to his team scoring lead with 22 points.

Before the contest, the Blaze signed goaltender Mark Sibbald, who was the goalie of the year in the Southern Professional Hockey League last season, and waived goalie Rob Mattison.

The Blaze visit Evansville on Sunday at 5 p.m., with a 4:45 pre-game on WJBC.com and CHL-TV. Fans are invited to watch the game at Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, 3002 Gill Street in Bloomington. The Blaze return home for Friday and Saturday contests against the Dayton Gems. Tickets and more information are available by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 10, 2011


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