Bloomington Blaze Weekly

Published on February 27, 2012 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, begin another busy Central Hockey League week with four games in five days, ncluding two on home ice and the Stanley Cup's visit to Bloomington on The Stanley Cup is coming to Bloomington! On Thursday when the Quad City Mallards visit U.S. Cellular Coliseum, North America's oldest professional sports trophy will be here as well! Fans are welcome to have a personal photo taken with sports' most accessible trophy for only $5. Gates open at 6 p.m. Come enjoy the Blaze take on the rival Mallards and get up close to a piece of hockey history!

LAST WEEK:

Friday, February 24- Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 6, Bloomington Blaze 4

The Blaze gave up two goals in the first 2:40, then traded goals for the remainder of the contest before surrendering an empty net goal in the final minute.

Saturday, February 25- Bloomington Blaze 3, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 2

The Blaze earned their first regulation win in four games with a 3-2 triumph on Saturday night over the host Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, beginning with a Jordy Trottier goal just 2:16 into the game and finishing with a strong forecheck in the final minute to prevent the Bess from emptying their net for an extra attacker.

Sunday, February 26- Laredo Bucks 6, Bloomington Blaze 3

Despite two goals from Jason Dale to give the Blaze a 3-2 lead after one period, the Bucks scored two goals in each of the remaining two frames to win the only meeting of the season between the clubs.

THIS WEEK:

Wednesday, February 29, 6:30 p.m. Central- Blaze at Fort Wayne Komets

Thursday, March 1, 7:05 p.m.- Quad City Mallards at Blaze (Stanley Cup visits U.S. Cellular Coliseum, Thirsty Thursday with $2 Bud/Bud Light drafts)

Friday, March 2, 7:05 p.m.- Tulsa Oilers at Blaze (Country Financial Bobbleheads to first 1,500 fans, Pepsi Date Night [bring Pepsi product to box office and receive 2nd ticket free, combo meals 2-for-1)

Sunday, March 4, 5 p.m.- Blaze at Evansville IceMen (All Blaze game on WJBC.com and CHL-TV; watch road games at Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, 3002 Gill Street, Bloomington)

VLADIATOR: Vladimir Nikiforov regained the team scoring lead during the week, increasing his total to 42 points (16 goals, 26 assists). The Long Island, New York resident has recorded at least a point in nine of his last 11 games.

RED LIGHT DISTRICT: Jon Booras and Kyle Laughlin lead the Blaze with 18 goals each. Booras moved back into a share for the team goal lead with a lamp-lighter on Friday, and he has registered three goals and eight assists in the nine games since his return to the lineup after tearing his hamstring on January 3.

GET YOUR POPKO: Luke Popko continues his hot offensive hand for the Blaze, leading the team in the last ten games with seven assists to accompany his two goals. Travis Granbois leads the Blaze in scoring during the past ten games with four goals and six assists, although his status for the week is doubtful as he attends to family matters.

DEPENDABLE DALE: Captain Jason Dale is the only Blaze to play in all 53 games. Mark Znutas has missed only one game, and Travis Granbois has missed two contests.

FIRING UP QUICKLY: The Blaze are now 14-8-3 when scoring first, 11-3-3 when leading after one period and are unbeaten in regulation (13-0-2) with a lead heading into the third period. Fort Wayne is the only other CHL squad to remain unbeaten in regulation when leading after 40 minutes.

BLAZE ANATOMY: After missing 12 games due to a shoulder problem, Brodie Sheahan has missed the last five games after injuring his knee; his status is doubtful for the remainder of the season...Brian Mahoney-Wilson suffered a broken nose in last Friday's fracas in Fort Wayne, but remained in the lineup, sustaining the loss on Sunday but rebounding for a 24-save win in his next start on Saturday night over Rio Grande Valley before taking the loss in Laredo on Sunday.

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.

WALK THIS WAY: The Blaze are inviting children to walk in Normal's Sharin' of the Green Parade on St. Patrick's Day, Saturday, March 17 at 1 p.m. Children who participate will receive a free voucher for that night's final home game of the season, and parents can purchase tickets at a discounted price of just $10. Deadline to sign up is March 14. Sign up at any Blaze home game or by calling 309-434-2980.

The Blaze return home for a pair of games to begin March, on Thursday, March 1 when the Stanley Cup visits for a Thirsty Thursday with $2 Bud and Bud Light drafts, and Friday, March 2 on Country Financial Bobblehead Night with Scorch bobbleheads to the first 1,500 fans. Friday is also a Pepsi Date Night, when fans who bring a Pepsi product to the box office when buying a reserved seat ticket receive a second one free, and combo meals are priced two for one. Call 309-434-2980 for more information, or visit www.bloomingtonblaze.com, like the Blaze on Facebook or follow on Twitter (BLMBlaze). All games are broadcast on WJBC.com

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Central Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2012


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