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Blaze Visit Dayton for Weekend Action

March 8, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, travel to Ohio for a pair of games this weekend against the team immediately ahead of the Blaze in the Central Hockey League standings.

The Blaze face the Dayton Gems on Friday and Saturday nights at 6 p.m. Central at Hara Arena. The Gems are in sixth place in the Turner Conference standings, three points ahead of the Blaze. Bloomington is 4-5-1 against the Gems, including a 2-2-1 mark at Hara Arena. In the last three games at Hara, the Blaze are 2-0-1, sustaining a 3-2 shootout loss in their last meeting in Dayton on February 18. After this weekend, the teams will meet one more time, a March 17 date at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in the Blaze's final home game on Fan Appreciation Night.

The Blaze are coming off back-to-back wins last weekend over teams fighting for playoff position, including a 3-1 home win over Tulsa and a 6-2 shellacking of first-place Evansville. Bloomington is led in scoring by Jon Booras and Vladimir Nikiforov, each with 44 points, while Booras is the goal-scoring leader with 22 tallies. Booras is the current Oakley CHL Player of the Week for a four-goal, one-assist performance that included a hat trick on Sunday at Evansville.

The Gems have picked up at least a point in each of their last five games with a 3-0-2 mark over that span. The Gems visited Arizona last weekend, falling in a shootout 4-3 and winning 5-2. Dayton is coming off a 4-3 home win over the Fort Wayne Komets on Wednesday night. The Gems are led by Damian Surma and Brett Lutes, each with 53 points, while Surma leads in goals with 24.

The Blaze then return home for the final three home games of the season next week on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Rio Grande Valley visits for a Wednesday Ladies Night presented by Fox and Hounds, and all ladies get in for half-price, plus some other amenities just for the ladies. On Friday against the Missouri Mavericks, the first 1,200 fans receive a Blaze fleece blanket compliments of Mid-Illini Credit Union, and Friday is a Pepsi Date Night when fans who bring a Pepsi product to the box office when buying a reserved ticket get a second ticket free, plus combo meals are priced two-for-one. Saturday's St. Patrick's Day game features a Fan Appreciation Night blowout, with the Blaze wearing special jerseys to be auctioned immediately after the game, a Blaze autograph book giveaway, special activities and green beer!

WALK THIS WAY: Kids are invited to participate in the St. Patrick's Day Sharin' of the Green Parade in Normal with the Blaze on the morning of Saturday, March 17. Kids who join the Blaze will get a voucher for that night's game, and parents can get in for only $10. More information is on the home page of www.bloomingtonblaze.com.

LOOK LIKE AN ALL-STAR: The CHL All-Star jersey worn by Blaze defenseman Aaron Dawson is now being auctioned on eBay. Go to www.ebay.com and search for Aaron Dawson. Bidding ends Monday.

More information on the Blaze is available at www.bloomingtonblaze.com, Facebook, Twitter (BLMBlaze) or by calling 309-434-2980. Season ticket renewals are underway, and more information on season tickets for the 2012-13 season are available by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980. Several ticket packages and sponsorship opportunities are available as the Blaze rages into Season Two!

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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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