Bloomington Blaze Add Two Defensemen to Pre-Season Roster

Published on August 22, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze has added to their pre-season roster with the addition of defensemen Aaron Dawson and Mark Znutas.

Aaron Dawson returns for a second year in Bloomington after playing in 50 games for the PrairieThunder in 2010-11. The 6'-5", 220 lbs, native of Peoria, Illinois scored four goals and added eight assists for 12 points. He also posted an impressive plus / minus rating of +11. The twenty-six year old defenseman played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League for the Peterborough Petes and college hockey for the University of Prince Edward Island. He turned pro during the 2009-10 season with the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL.

Emerson, New Jersey native Mark Znutas will begin his professional hockey career with the Blaze following a four-year college career with Holy Cross College. Znutas, 6'-0", 182 lbs, played 145 games for the Crusaders, scoring 15 goals and 40 assists for 55 points. The twenty-three year-old was named to the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team three times while at Holy Cross.

Bloomington Blaze Head Coach Jason Christie said, "I'm very happy to have Aaron Dawson back with us for the coming year. He was solid on defense all year long. Mark Znutas comes from Holy Cross College where Brodie Sheahan played. Mark had a fine four year college career."

The new Bloomington Blaze will be playing in the fourteen team Central Hockey League beginning in October, 2011. Bloomington will be in the league's Turner (Northern) Conference along with the Fort Wayne Komets, Dayton Gems, Quad City Mallards, Missouri Mavericks, Rapid City Rush, and Evansville IceMen.

2011-2012 season tickets, group tickets and sponsorships are now available by calling the Blaze at 309-434-2980. Our new offices are located inside the U.S. Cellular Coliseum, located at 101 S, Madison Street in downtown Bloomington.

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