Bloomington Blaze Weekly

February 12, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, attempt to build on a five-game point streak as they continue a bruising schedule entering the final third of the season with four games this week, three of which are against the Turner Conference leaders.

LAST WEEK:

Tuesday, February 7- Evansville 5, Bloomington 4 (SO)

The Blaze scored the first two goals of the contest, then regained a 3-2 lead, but lost for the second straight game in a 5-4 shootout decision, this time at home to the Evansville IceMen.

Bloomington goals were recorded by Travis Granbois, Vladimir Nikiforov, Omar Pacha and Luke Popko, who tied the game with 11.4 seconds left in regulation to salvage a point for the Blaze.

The Blaze failed to record a shootout goal for the second straight game.

Thursday, February 9- Bloomington 4, Dayton 2 Luke Popko recorded a goal and an assist while other Blaze lamp-lighters were turned in by Ryan Palmer, Brandon Richardson and Brodie Sheahan, and the Blaze never trailed in their win over the Gems.

Friday, February 10- Arizona 5, Bloomington 4 (SO)

The Blaze sustained their third shootout loss within a week, giving up tying goals late in the second period and in the final minute of regulation as former Bloomington skater Craig Macdonald registered a hat trick plus a shootout goal. Blaze goals were recorded by Luke Popko, Doug Krantz, Brodie Sheahan and Jason Dale.

Sunday, February 12- Bloomington 4, Fort Wayne 3

The Blaze used two goals by Travis Granbois, plus tallies from Vladimir Nikiforov and Jason Dale, to defeat the Komets for the third straight time and improve to 4-3-0 against the division leaders, ahead of rematches on Tuesday and Sunday in Bloomington and Friday in Fort Wayne.

THIS WEEK:

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)

Friday, February 17, 7 p.m. Central- Bloomington Blaze at Fort Wayne Komets, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum Saturday, February 18, 6 p.m. Central- Bloomington Blaze at Dayton Gems, Hara Arena (Watch the road games at Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, 3002 Gill Street, Bloomington!)

Sunday, February 19, 4:05 p.m.- Fort Wayne Komets at Bloomington Blaze, U.S. Cellular Coliseum (Kitchen Cooked Family Day--$5 tickets kids 12 and under, $3 kids meals of hot dog, popcorn, drink)

BOORAS BACK: Much earlier than expected, Jon Booras returned to the Blaze lineup last weekend after missing 14 games over five weeks due to a torn hamstring. Booras is second on the team in scoring with 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists), and collected an assist in each of the two games following his return.

FRESH, HOT POPKO: Luke Popko has had the hot offensive hand for the Blaze lately, registering seven goals and four assists for 11 points in the last 11 games. Vladimir Nikiforov has lit the lamp three times with three assists for six points in the last five games.

FLAME-THROWING: Vladimir Nikiforov continues to lead the Blaze in points (36) and assists (21), and is now tied for the team lead with 15 goals, shared by Jon Booras and Kyle Laughlin...the Blaze are now 12-6-2 when scoring first, 10-1-2 when leading after one period and are unbeaten (11-0-1) with a lead heading into the third period.

WELCOME TO THE SHOW: In addition to coach Paul Gardner, who played ten seasons in the National Hockey League and also served as an assistant coach, several Blaze players have close connections to the NHL. Craig Cescon's uncle, Darryl Sittler, played 15 seasons in the NHL; Kyle Laughlin is the son of former NHL'er and current Washington Capitals television analyst Craig Laughlin; Brian Mahoney-Wilson's uncle, Ron Wilson, is the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his great uncle Johnny Wilson and grandfather Larry Wilson won Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings; and Jordy Trottier's father Monty and uncle Rocky played in the show, and his uncle Bryan Trottier is in the NHL Hall of Fame with six Stanley Cup championships with the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Group packages are available for the remaining Blaze home games. All Blaze games can be heard on your computer or mobile device at WJBC.com. More information on the Blaze is available at www.bloomingtonblaze.com, Facebook, Twitter (BLMBlaze) or by calling the Blaze office at 309-434-2980.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 12, 2012


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