Bloomington Blaze Weekly

February 6, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, pick up the schedule pace as they prepare for five games in eight days, with four contests on home ice.

LAST WEEK: Monday, January 30- Rapid City 4, Bloomington 0 Saturday, February 4- Quad City 5, Bloomington 4 (SO) The Blaze dropped both contests during the week, as the Rapid City Rush avenged a loss in Bloomington two days earlier by handing the Blaze their third shutout loss of the season behind 28 saves from Danny Battochio. The Blaze fell in the only weekend action in a back-and-forth battle in Moline, falling in a 5-4 shootout decision with Blaze goals coming from Jerry Pollastrone, Mark Znutas, Vladimir Nikiforov and Jordy Trottier.

THIS WEEK:

Tuesday, February 6, 2012, 7:05 p.m.- Evansville

IceMen at Bloomington Blaze, U.S. Cellular Coliseum

(Two for Tuesday- two bowl seats for $14, plus $2 hot dogs, popcorn and Pepsi products)

The Turner Conference-leading IceMen visit for the ninth meeting of the season between the squads, with the Blaze taking only one win of the previous eight games. Vladimir Nikiforov has enjoyed plenty of success, however, against the IceMen, scoring five goals and three assists.

Thursday, February 9, 6 p.m. Central- Bloomington

Blaze at Dayton Gems, Hara Arena

(Watch the game at Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, 3002 Gill St., Bloomington!)

The only road game of the period is a midweek contest in southwest Ohio, where the Blaze won 5-3 in the last meeting on Dec. 29. The Blaze are 4-4-0 against the Gems.

Friday, February 10, 7:05 p.m.- Arizona

Sundogs at Bloomington Blaze, U.S. Cellular Coliseum

(Blaze caps to first 1,200 fans compliments of Carpets Plus Color Tile, special CHL 20th anniversary season jerseys auctioned after game, Pepsi Date Night- bring a Pepsi product to box office when buying reserved ticket, receive second ticket free, combo meals two-for-one)

Sunday, February 12, 4:05 p.m.- Fort Wayne

Komets at Bloomington Blaze, U.S. Cellular Coliseum

(Kitchen Cooked Family Day--$5 kids tickets, $3 kids meals of hot dog, chips, drink, post-game skate with players)

The Blaze are 3-3-0 against the Komets, who are battling for the top spot in the Turner Conference. The Blaze have won the last two meetings, most recently a 2-1 decision on Jan. 13 in Fort Wayne.

Tuesday, February 14, 7:05 p.m.- Fort Wayne

Komets at Bloomington Blaze, U.S. Cellular Coliseum (Happy Valentine's Day! Two for Tuesday-- two bowl seats for $14, plus $2 hot dogs, popcorn and Pepsi products)

M*A*S*H REPORT: Brodie Sheahan returned to the Blaze lineup on Saturday after recovering from a shoulder injury and added an assist.

Sheahan missed a total of 12 games due to the injury. Blaze goal co-leader Jon Booras remains on the 30-day injured reserve list due to a hamstring injury, but could return to the lineup in the next week. Goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson left Saturday's game in the first period after a teammate's stick struck his throat, but he is expected to be available for the week's action.

FLAME-THROWING: Vladimir Nikiforov moved into the Blaze lead in points and assists lead last weekend when he recorded a goal and an assist to increase his total to 32 points with 18 helpers...Kyle Laughlin is now tied for the team lead with the injured Jon Booras with 15 goals, and three of his last four scores have been game-winners...Aaron Dawson and Mark Znutas are tied for 11th among CHL defensemen with seven goals...Jason Dale is the only Blaze skater to play in all 42 games so far this season.

Group ticket packages and eight-game Pyro Packs are available for the remaining 10 home games.

A complete schedule and more information about the Blaze are available at www.bloomingtonblaze.com. Like the Blaze on Facebook, follow on Twitter (BLMBlaze) or call the Blaze office at 309-434-2980. All games can be heard at WJBC.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2012


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