Bloomington Blaze Weekly

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


LAST WEEK:

Friday, March 9- Bloomington Blaze 5, Dayton Gems 3

The Blaze captured a back-and-forth affair in Dayton with a three-goal third period. Brandon Richardson and Vladimir Nikiforov scored to put the Blaze ahead 2-1 at the second intermission, but after the Gems scored twice early in the final period to take a 3-2 lead, the Blaze scored the final three tallies, one from Omar Pacha and two from Kyle Laughlin.

Saturday, March 10- Bloomington Blaze 3, Dayton Gems 2 (SO)

The Blaze won their fourth straight contest and broke a four-game losing streak in shootouts with Saturday's win in the second of back-to-back games at Hara Arena. Vladimir Nikiforov and Jon Booras lit the lamp to put the Blaze ahead 2-0 after two periods, but the Gems tied the contest in the third with a late power-play goal. Nikiforov, Kyle Laughlin and Booras each scored in the shootout, while Zane Kalemba kept all three Gems skaters at bay for the win. The win moved the Blaze into a sixth-place tie with the Gems in the Turner Conference.

THIS WEEK:

Wednesday, March 14, 7:05 p.m., U.S.

Cellular Coliseum- Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at Bloomington Blaze (Fox and Hounds Ladies Night with half-price tickets for ladies, Youth Hockey Night) The Blaze split a pair of games with the Bees in Hidalgo, Texas on February 24 and 25 in their only other meetings this season.

Friday, March 16, 7:05 p.m., U.S.

Cellular Coliseum- Missouri Mavericks at Bloomington Blaze (Mid-Illini Credit Union Fleece Blankets to first 1,200 fans, Pepsi Date Night- bring Pepsi product to box office when buying reserved ticket and receive second ticket free, combo meals priced two-for-one, Blaze Autograph Book giveaway) The Blaze are 1-3-0 against the Mavericks this season, most recently dropping a 7-4 decision in Missouri on January 21.

Saturday, March 17, 6 p.m. Central, U.S. Cellular Coliseum- Dayton Gems at Bloomington Blaze (FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT and ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY! Special St. Patty's Day jerseys auctioned immediately after game, green beer, end-of-season player awards announced before game, Blaze Autograph Book giveaway) The final meeting of the season between the Gems and Blaze finds Bloomington with a 6-5-1 advantage, while the Blaze are 4-0-1 over the Gems in the last five contests.

THOSE AREN'T BOOS: Jon Booras has a team-best four-game point streak, and has a plus-minus rating of +6 over the last three games, thanks in part to his hat trick last Sunday in Evansville.

I WANNA BE RICHARDSON: Rookie Brandon Richardson also has a team-best four-game point streak and a plus-minus rating of +6 over the last three contests. That includes a three-assist night in Evansville last Sunday.

DON'T BE SAD, GET VLAD: Vladimir Nikiforov moved back into the team scoring lead during the weekend, increasing his total to 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists) with three goals and an assist during the two games at Dayton. The Long Island, New York resident has recorded at least a point in 13 of his last 16 games.

LOCKER ROOM: Kyle Laughlin slipped back into second on the team in goals with a two-goal performance on Friday to increase his total to 21. Laughlin and Nikiforov had plus-minus ratings of +3 for the two weekend games.

ROLL CALL: Captain Jason Dale missed his first and only Blaze contest this season on Friday in Dayton. Mark Znutas has also missed only one game, and Craig Cescon and Ryan Palmer have missed two contests.

FIRING UP QUICKLY: The Blaze are now 17-8-4 when scoring first, 13-3-3 when leading after one period and are unbeaten in regulation (16-0-2) with a lead heading into the third period. The Fort Wayne Komets are the only other ones to stay unbeaten when leading after two periods.

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, was the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, 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 the next Blaze home game on Wednesday 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



Central Hockey League Stories from March 12, 2012


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