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Bloomington Blaze Weekly

March 5, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bloomington Blaze News Release


The Bloomington Blaze, presented by Mid-Illini Credit Union, ease their recent grueling schedule with a pair of games this week at Dayton.

LAST WEEK:

Wednesday, February 29- Fort Wayne Komets 4, Bloomington Blaze 3 (OT)

Although Jason Dale scored the game's first goal and Omar Pacha and Jordy Trottier scored twice within a minute in the third period to take a lead, the host Komets collected a late goal to force overtime and ended the contest midway through the extra time. The Blaze finish the season series with the K's at 5-5-1.

Thursday, March 1- Quad City Mallards 5, Bloomington Blaze 1

A road-weary Blaze finally returned home, but gave up three first-period goals and trailed 4-0 before Vladimir Nikiforov registered the only Bloomington tally.

Friday, March 2- Bloomington Blaze 3, Tulsa Oilers 1

The Blaze rebounded with a solid 60 minutes at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in winning their third game out of the four-game season series with the Tulsa Oilers. Brandon Richardson opened the scoring in the second period, and Jon Booras put the Blaze ahead for good early in the final chapter. Jerry Pollastrone sealed the win with an empty net goal.

Sunday, March 4- Bloomington Blaze 6, Evansville IceMen 2

Jon Booras recorded a hat trick and the Blaze blistered the host IceMen with three first period goals on their way toward matching their single-game season-high goal total (also a 6-2 win over the IceMen on December 1). Doug Krantz, Jordy Trottier and Kyle Laughlin supplemented Booras's trifecta, while Trottier also added two assists and Brandon Richardson contributed three helpers.

THIS WEEK:

Friday, March 9, 6 p.m. Central- Bloomington Blaze at Dayton Gems, Hara Arena

Saturday, March 10, 6 p.m. Central- Bloomington Blaze at Dayton Gems, Hara Arena

(All Blaze games on WJBC.com and CHL-TV; watch road games at Gill Street Sports Bar and Restaurant, 3002 Gill Street, Bloomington)

WHEN JONNY GOES MARCHING: The beginning of March has been a memorable one for Jon Booras. The seventh-year pro recorded a hat trick in Sunday's win in Evansville, which was his 400th professional game. His third goal was his 150th career lamp-lighter.

Booras tore his hamstring in a January 3 game and at the time, his return to the lineup was doubtful.

However, the Billings, Montana native returned to game action five and a half weeks later having missed only 14 games, and has registered seven goals and six assists for 13 points in the 13 games since his return. His milestone game on Sunday also increased his team goal-scoring lead to 22 tallies and returned him to a share of the team scoring lead (with Vladimir Nikiforov) with 44 points.

VLAD THE IMPALER: Vladimir Nikiforov kept a share of the team scoring lead during the week, increasing his total to 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists). The Long Island, New York resident has recorded at least a point in 11 of his last 15 games.

DEPENDABLE DALE: Captain Jason Dale is the only Blaze to play in all 57 games. Mark Znutas has missed only one game, and Ryan Palmer has missed two contests.

FIRING UP QUICKLY: The Blaze are now 16-8-4 when scoring first, 12-3-3 when leading after one period and are unbeaten in regulation (14-0-2) with a lead heading into the third period.

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND: After Sunday's game in Evansville, the Blaze concluded a ten-day period (plus two more days of travel) that included seven games, five of which were on the road, involving 3,800 miles. The Blaze went 3-3-1 during that stretch.

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 to U.S. Cellular Coliseum for the final three home games of the season on Wednesday, March 14, Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 at 7:05 each night. Wednesday is Ladies Night presented by Fox and Hounds, with half-price tickets for all ladies. Friday features Blaze fleece blankets given to the first 1,200 fans courtesy of Mid-Illini Credit Union. 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. That Saturday's final home game is Fan Appreciation Night with a full St. Patrick's Day party featuring special jerseys worn during the game that will be auctioned immediately after the contest, and green beer! Commemorative Blaze autograph books will be given away on Friday and Saturday nights!

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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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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